Do I have to declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 19 CFR 148.101 -- Applicability.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty into United States only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 1,000 USD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 1,000 USD
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

19 CFR 148.101 -- Applicability. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Office of the Federal Register (eCFR)
19 CFR 148.104 - Frequency of use (flat rate of duty) U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty in United States

How much goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty can I bring into United States?: United States allows 1,000 USD 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty 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 19 CFR 148.101 -- Applicability.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit goods eligible for the $1,000 flat rate of duty, 7 limit it and 13 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

Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods