U.S. CUSTOMS RETURN REQUIRMENTS

by Ted Peterson
The duty free exemption is $400.00 if you are returning after 48 hours from most of the world. $800.00 if coming back from a Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act country and $1,200.00 from Guam, American Samoa or Virgin Islands. For a listing of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act click here
This is NOT a complete list. If you are bringing back some special item, contact the US Customs Service at any American Embassy or U.S. Customs Service at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washingtom, DC 20229. Phone number 202-354-1000. Web http://www.customs.gov
If you bring back more than the above amount you will have to pay duty when you return. The rate will be different for different classes of items.
You can mail gifts to people in the US if the item is marked as a gift and is under $100.00. You have to mark the outside with what it is and the cost. Duty has to be paid in the US, if needed, not overseas. Some stores overseas will say that they will prepay the duty but they cannot.
Most food and agricultural items cannot come in with you. Check with the USDA at 301-734-8295.
Items that are purchased in Duty-Free Shops have to be included in your exemption.
If you pick up items overseas that are trademarked see other article by clicking here.
Cars, boats, and planes come in under special rules. See US Customs for more information.
Dogs and cats can come in but may have to be placed in quarantine. In some states up to 60 days. They have to of been vaccinated within the last 30 days. Monkeys CANNOT be imported as pets under any circumstances. For other animals and birds check with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1-800-358-2104.
If any one brings in more then $10,000.00 in money or currency they have to file form 4790 with the U.S. Customs.
There are some countries that you cannot bring in any that is made, sold, or grown in. To see the list go to click here
This is only some of the rules, for more information or help contactk any US Customs office.
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