Do I have to declare vehicle parts at United States customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare vehicle parts 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 vehicle parts 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 vehicle parts out of United States?

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

Does the United States limit for vehicle parts 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 148.33 Articles acquired abroad. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “$800, and provided that the articles accompany the returning resident;”

How does United States compare with other countries on vehicle parts?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit vehicle parts, 5 limit it and 14 let it through. United States is among the more permissive.

How many vehicle parts can I bring into United States?

Official classification: Vehicle parts

Allowed

You can bring vehicle parts into United States without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 800 USD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 800 USD
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 148.33 Articles acquired abroad U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Questions about Vehicle parts in United States

How many vehicle parts can I bring into United States?: United States publishes no quantity limit for vehicle parts carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare vehicle parts at United States customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare vehicle parts 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 vehicle parts 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 vehicle parts out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking vehicle parts out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United States limit for vehicle parts 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 148.33 Articles acquired abroad. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “$800, and provided that the articles accompany the returning resident;”
How does United States compare with other countries on vehicle parts?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit vehicle parts, 5 limit it and 14 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