Do I have to declare carpets, minerals and fossils at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking carpets, minerals and fossils out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for carpets, minerals and fossils 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 International Traveler: Soil, Peat, Sand, Clay, Rocks, and Stones. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on carpets, minerals and fossils?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit carpets, minerals and fossils, 14 limit it and 6 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Carpets, minerals and fossils can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Carpets, minerals and fossils 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

International Traveler: Soil, Peat, Sand, Clay, Rocks, and Stones USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Questions about Carpets, minerals and fossils in United States

Do I have to declare carpets, minerals and fossils at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils 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 carpets, minerals and fossils out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking carpets, minerals and fossils out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for carpets, minerals and fossils 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 International Traveler: Soil, Peat, Sand, Clay, Rocks, and Stones. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on carpets, minerals and fossils?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit carpets, minerals and fossils, 14 limit it and 6 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Cultural goods and antiques Cultural property Registered antiquities and cultural property