Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunications equipment at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunications equipment 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 take prohibited telecommunications equipment out of United States?

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

Does the United States limit for prohibited telecommunications equipment 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: “Radio frequency devices may be imported only if one or more of these conditions are met:”

How does United States compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunications equipment?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunications equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring prohibited telecommunications equipment to United States?

Official classification: Prohibited telecommunication equipment

Restricted

You can bring prohibited telecommunications equipment into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

47 CFR 2.1204 Import conditions Federal Communications Commission

Questions about Prohibited telecommunications equipment in United States

Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunications equipment at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunications equipment 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 prohibited telecommunications equipment 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 prohibited telecommunications equipment out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunications equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for prohibited telecommunications equipment 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: “Radio frequency devices may be imported only if one or more of these conditions are met:”
How does United States compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunications equipment?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunications equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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