How much Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into United States?
Declare
You can bring Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) into United States, but you must declare it.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Value cap: 800 USD
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Questions about Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) in United States
- How much accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into United States?
- United States allows accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 800 USD. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) at United States customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out of United States?
- United States publishes no separate rule for taking accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United States limit for accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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. The sentence it rests on reads: “a returning resident is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, having remained for no less than 48 hours beyond the territorial limits of the United States”
- How does United States compare with other countries on accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band)?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band), 8 limit it and 12 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR Part 148 — Personal Declarations and Exemptions · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — 19 CFR 145.31 Importations not over $800 in value · verified 2026-09-20
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 2026-09-19