Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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: “Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.”

How does United States compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) into United States only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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 Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) in United States

Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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: “Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.”
How does United States compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 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

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances