Do I have to declare radios, transmitters and pagers at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 3 devices there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare radios, transmitters and pagers 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.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for radios, transmitters and pagers?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship radios, transmitters and pagers 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 radios, transmitters and pagers out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking radios, transmitters and pagers out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for radios, transmitters and pagers 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 47 CFR 2.1204 Import conditions. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Three or fewer radio frequency devices are being imported for the individual's personal use and are not intended for sale.”

How does United States compare with other countries on radios, transmitters and pagers?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit radios, transmitters and pagers, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Radios, transmitters and pagers can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Radios, transmitters and pagers into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 3 device

What you need to know

3 device
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

47 CFR 2.1204 Import conditions Federal Communications Commission

Questions about Radios, transmitters and pagers in United States

How many radios, transmitters and pagers can I bring into United States?: United States allows 3 devices per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare radios, transmitters and pagers at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 3 devices there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare radios, transmitters and pagers 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.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for radios, transmitters and pagers?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship radios, transmitters and pagers 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 radios, transmitters and pagers out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking radios, transmitters and pagers out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for radios, transmitters and pagers 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 47 CFR 2.1204 Import conditions. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Three or fewer radio frequency devices are being imported for the individual's personal use and are not intended for sale.”
How does United States compare with other countries on radios, transmitters and pagers?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit radios, transmitters and pagers, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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