Do I have to declare jewelry and precious metals at United States customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare jewelry and precious metals in United States?

Under 31 U.S.C. 5321, if the goods are found without being declared: the case is referred to the responsible authority; an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated. Under 31 U.S.C. 5332, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship jewelry and precious metals to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take jewelry and precious metals out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking jewelry and precious metals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for jewelry and precious metals apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Prohibited and Restricted Items. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Gold coins, medals and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into the United States.”

How does United States compare with other countries on jewelry and precious metals?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit jewelry and precious metals, 7 limit it and 12 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Jewelry and precious metals can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Jewelry and precious metals into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Prohibited and Restricted Items U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Jewelry and precious metals in United States

Do I have to declare jewelry and precious metals at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare jewelry and precious metals in United States?: Under 31 U.S.C. 5321, if the goods are found without being declared: the case is referred to the responsible authority; an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated. Under 31 U.S.C. 5332, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship jewelry and precious metals to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take jewelry and precious metals out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking jewelry and precious metals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for jewelry and precious metals apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in Prohibited and Restricted Items. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Gold coins, medals and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into the United States.”
How does United States compare with other countries on jewelry and precious metals?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit jewelry and precious metals, 7 limit it and 12 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Accompanied cash Cash and bearer negotiable instruments (all currencies) Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) Currency and monetary instruments (CAN$10,000 reporting) Currency and monetary instruments over $10,000