Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at United States customs?

There is nothing to declare — endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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.

Does the United States limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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. The sentence it rests on reads: “Endangered wildlife species, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported.”

How does United States compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) can I bring into United States?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) into United States.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Prohibited and Restricted Items U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) in United States

How many endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) can I bring into United States?: endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) may not be brought into United States at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) at United States customs?: There is nothing to declare — endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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 endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn) 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. The sentence it rests on reads: “Endangered wildlife species, and products made from them, generally may not be imported or exported.”
How does United States compare with other countries on endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn), 12 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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

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