Do I have to declare duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag 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 duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Can I carry duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag in the cabin or in checked baggage?

In the cabin: Allowed with conditions. In checked baggage: —. This comes from National regulator, and an individual airline may be stricter. Customs and aviation are separate rulebooks: what an airline lets you carry is not what a border lets you bring in.

Does the United States limit for duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag 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 Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.”

How does United States compare with other countries on duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag, 4 limit it and 16 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag 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

On the plane

National security rule

On person Not stated

Cabin baggage Allowed with conditions

Checked baggage Not stated

Airline approval required — Documented

Applies only on specific routes

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule | Transportation Security Administration US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Last verified Sep 19, 2026

Report a mistake with this rule

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
AJet	Stricter than the standard rule
Singapore Airlines	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag in United States

Do I have to declare duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag 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 duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Can I carry duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag in the cabin or in checked baggage?: In the cabin: Allowed with conditions. In checked baggage: —. This comes from National regulator, and an individual airline may be stricter. Customs and aviation are separate rulebooks: what an airline lets you carry is not what a border lets you bring in.
Does the United States limit for duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag 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 Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.”
How does United States compare with other countries on duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit duty-free liquids in a sealed security bag, 4 limit it and 16 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

Cargo liquids in checked baggage (Zamzam water, edible oil, liquid food) Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) Medicine and baby food/milk liquids exempted from the LAG limit Perfume and toilet water Skincare and make-up products