Do I have to declare knives and bladed weapons at United States customs?

There is nothing to declare — knives and bladed weapons cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery.”

How does United States compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?

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

How much Knives and bladed weapons can I bring into United States?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Knives and bladed weapons into United States.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
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

What Can I Bring? Complete List Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Knives and bladed weapons in United States

How many knives and bladed weapons can I bring into United States?: knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons at United States customs?: There is nothing to declare — knives and bladed weapons cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons 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 knives and bladed weapons out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking knives and bladed weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for knives and bladed weapons 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 What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery.”
How does United States compare with other countries on knives and bladed weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit knives and bladed weapons, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

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