How many pornographic materials can I bring into United States?

pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials at United States customs?

There is nothing to declare — pornographic materials cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials out of United States?

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

Does the United States limit for pornographic materials 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 19 CFR 12.41 Prohibited films. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on pornographic materials?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 12 prohibit pornographic materials, 3 limit it and 4 let it through. United States is among the strictest.

How much Pornographic materials can I bring into United States?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Pornographic materials 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

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

19 CFR 12.41 Prohibited films U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Pornographic materials in United States

How many pornographic materials can I bring into United States?: pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials at United States customs?: There is nothing to declare — pornographic materials cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials 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 pornographic materials out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking pornographic materials out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for pornographic materials 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 19 CFR 12.41 Prohibited films. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on pornographic materials?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 12 prohibit pornographic materials, 3 limit it and 4 let it through. United States is among the strictest.

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