Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 1 counterfeit and pirated goods there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods 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.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for counterfeit and pirated goods?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking counterfeit and pirated goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for counterfeit and pirated goods 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.

How does United States compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. United States is among the strictest.

How much Counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Counterfeit and pirated goods into United States only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 1 piece

What you need to know

1 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
1 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
1 piece
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 Counterfeit and pirated goods in United States

How many counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into United States?: United States allows 1 counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 1 counterfeit and pirated goods there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods 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.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the United States allowance for counterfeit and pirated goods?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking counterfeit and pirated goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for counterfeit and pirated goods 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.
How does United States compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. United States is among the strictest.

Related items

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Related countries

Australia Canada China France

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Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks