Do I have to declare powders and other granular substances at United States customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances?

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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United States limit for powders and other granular substances 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: “Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.”

How does United States compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Powders and other granular substances can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Powders and other granular substances into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 350 milliliter

What you need to know

350 milliliter (11.83 fl oz)
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 Powders and other granular substances in United States

How much powders and other granular substances can I bring into United States?: United States allows 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances at United States customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 350 milliliters of powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances?: 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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for powders and other granular substances 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: “Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.”
How does United States compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

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