Do I have to declare loose tobacco at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare loose tobacco in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.26, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess.

Can I post or ship loose tobacco 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 loose tobacco out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking loose tobacco out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for loose tobacco 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 Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on loose tobacco?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit loose tobacco, 11 limit it and 9 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring loose tobacco to United States?

Official classification: Loose/other tobacco

Restricted

You can bring loose tobacco 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

Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Loose or other tobacco in United States

Do I have to declare loose tobacco at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare loose tobacco in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.26, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess.
Can I post or ship loose tobacco 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 loose tobacco out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking loose tobacco out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for loose tobacco 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 Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on loose tobacco?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit loose tobacco, 11 limit it and 9 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Cigarettes Cigarillos (cigars weighing not more than 3 g each) Cigars Cigars and other tobacco (by weight) Cuban-origin cigars and other tobacco products Cut/loose tobacco