Importing Into 🇺🇸 United States
De Minimis Threshold
US$800
800 USD
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Raised from $200 to $800 by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. Shipments at or below $800 enter duty-free and tax-free with minimal documentation. Section 321 exemption.
As of: 2016-02-24
VAT / GST on Imports
0%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration) — all arriving travelers |
| 02 | CBP Form 7523 (Entry and Manifest of Merchandise) — informal entry |
| 03 | CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery) — commercial formal entry |
| 04 | Commercial Invoice |
| 05 | Packing List |
| 06 | Bill of Lading or Airway Bill |
| 07 | Certificate of Origin (where applicable for FTA preference) |
| 08 | Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) for ocean freight |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Firearms and ammunition (requires permits/licenses)
- ⚠Certain agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meats — inspection required)
- ⚠Trademarked goods (limited personal-use quantities)
- ⚠Prescription medications (personal-use quantities only)
- ⚠Alcohol (state regulations apply; requires importer license for commercial quantities)
- ⚠Cultural artifacts and antiquities
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and controlled substances
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Obscene material
- ✗Products made with forced or child labor
- ✗Endangered species products (CITES)
- ✗Absinthe containing thujone above 10 ppm
- ✗Cuban cigars exceeding personal-use quantities (pre-2016 restrictions mostly lifted but commercial import still restricted)
Special Notes
- 01FinCEN Form 105 required for cash or monetary instruments over $10,000.
- 02CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration) must be completed on arrival.
- 03Goods from certain sanctioned countries (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria) face severe import restrictions.
- 04USDA APHIS regulates plant and animal product imports.
- 05Section 232 tariffs apply to steel and aluminum imports; Section 301 tariffs apply to many Chinese goods.
- 06Global tariff increases announced in 2025 affect many trading partners — verify current rates at cbp.gov.
Documented Import Rules
Textiles (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
Subject to high duties and labeling requirements
Toys (CE Marking)
🇺🇸 United States
CPSC testing and certification required
Cosmetics (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
FDA registration required from December 2023
Watches (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
IP enforcement heavy, moderate duties
Mobile Phones (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
Personal phones generally duty-free under $800 de minimis
Food Supplements (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
Personal quantities generally permitted
Used Clothing (Commercial)
🇺🇸 United States
Standard import procedures; duties 7-16%
Alcohol / Spirits
🇺🇸 United States
Duty and excise on online purchases above $800
Tobacco Cigarettes
🇺🇸 United States
Excise duty on all tobacco; PACT Act restrictions
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into United States.
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