Duty is the tax paid on imported goods, including wedding
gifts and inherited items. While articles purchased outside
the United States and brought into the country are subject
to internal revenue tax and duty, many household goods
purchased abroad and used for more than one year may be
imported duty-free. You will be asked to list all articles
purchased less than one year ago on the back of Customs Form
3299. The list will include the month and year each item was
purchased, as well as the purchase price.
A U.S. resident moving back into the States is ordinarily
permitted an exemption of $400.00 (retail value) worth of
items purchased abroad - provided these items accompany the
U.S. resident into the country and are either for use as
personal goods or as gifts Once you have claimed this
exemption, there is a waiting period of 30 days before you
can claim the exemption again. Americans returning from
American Samoa, Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands have an
exemption of $800.00. Non-residents entering the United
States are permitted to bring in the following items free of
duty:
- Bona fide gifts are exempted up to a combined value of
$100.00.
- Personal articles such as clothing, jewelry, cosmetics,
items for personal hygiene and hunting, fishing and
photographic equipment.
- Vehicles used for personal use, provided they are
imported in conjunction with your arrival.
*Please note that the price quoted from your North
American agent does not include customs duties, taxes or any
other fees imposed by the U.S. government. In some cases,
additional charges can arise from the random inspection of
shipments.
