Find below a description of tax free allowances by country. If you exceed those limits, you may be asked to pay the duty difference in the country of your destination.
United States of America
Overview
The following goods may be imported by visitors over 21 years of age into the USA without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. • 1L of alcoholic beverage. • Goods up to the value of US$800 for returning residents who have been out of the country for at least 48 hours and have made the trip once in every 31 days. • Goods up to the value of US$100 for non-residents.
The United States Customs and Borders Protection has many banned and restricted items.
Banned imports include but are not limited to the following: • Almost all fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; avoid taking those given to you on the plane or cruise ship too. • Absinthe • Certain plants, cuttings and seeds • Dog and cut fur • Gold coins, unless they are properly marked by country of issuance • Gold and gold products originating in or brought from Cuba, Iran, Myanmar and most of Sudan • Prohibited Pornography • Trademark and copyrighted articles
Restricted imports that require special permits from a federal agency include but are not limited to the following: • Biological specimens • Bushmeat and any products containing meat • Cultural artifacts and cultural property • Defense articles or items with military or proliferation applications • Drug paraphernalia • Firearms • Fish & wildlife • Game and hunting trophies • Haitian animal hide drums • Narcotics and drugs with a high potential for abuse, such as Rohypnol. • Merchandise from embargoed countries such as Cuba, Iran, Myanmar and Sudan • Textiles and clothing exceeding your personal exemption
The US Customs and Border Protection regularly updates the list of banned and restricted imports. Check out their site (www.cbp.gov/travel) for the latest information.
