Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at United States customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 27 CFR 478.115 -- Exempt importation.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

Is the firearms, ammunition and controlled knives rule in United States different for residents, visitors or crew?

This allowance applies to Non-resident.

How does United States compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into United States only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
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

27 CFR 478.115 -- Exempt importation. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Office of the Federal Register (eCFR)

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in United States

Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 27 CFR 478.115 -- Exempt importation.. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
Is the firearms, ammunition and controlled knives rule in United States different for residents, visitors or crew?: This allowance applies to Non-resident.
How does United States compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 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