Can I post or ship printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in 19 CFR 12.40 Seizure; disposition of seized articles; reports to United States attorney. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does United States compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into United States?

Restricted

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into United States only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

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 12.40 Seizure; disposition of seized articles; reports to United States attorney U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in United States

Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at United States customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United States customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 12.40 Seizure; disposition of seized articles; reports to United States attorney. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does United States compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

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