Hi morgan_g_jones,
Depending on where you've been and how long you've been away, the
duty-free personal exemption is either $200, $600, $800, or $1600.
I've copied and pasted a bit of relevant info, but please read all of
the details on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
Duty-free Exemption
"The duty-free exemption, also called the personal exemption, is the
total value of merchandise you may bring back to the United States
without having to pay duty. You may bring back more than your
exemption, but you will have to pay duty on it. In most cases, the
personal exemption is $800, but there are some exceptions to this
rule, which are explained below."
The duty-free exemptions ($200, $600, $800, or $1,600) apply if:
"* The items are for your personal or household use or intended to
be given as bonafide gifts.
* They are in your possession, that is, they accompany you when
you return to the United States. Items to be sent later may not be
included in your $800 duty-free exemption. Exceptions apply for goods
sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands
* They are declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that
should have been declared, you risk forfeiting it. If in doubt,
declare it.
* You are returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours.
For example, if you leave the United States at 1:30 p.m. on June 1,
you would complete the 48-hour period at 1:30 p.m. on June 3. This
time limit does not apply if you are returning from Mexico or from the
U.S. Virgin Islands. (See also the section on the $200 exemption.)
* You have not used all of your exemption allowance, or used any
part of it, in the past 30 days?for example, if you go to England and
bring back $150 worth of items?you must wait another 30 days before
you are allowed another $800 exemption. (See the section on the $200
exemption.)
* The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the
section on Prohibited and Restricted Items. Note the embargo
prohibitions on products of Cuba."
Tobacco Products:
"Travelers may import previously exported tobacco products only in
quantities not exceeding the amounts specified in exemptions for which
the traveler qualifies..."
Alcoholic Beverages:
"One liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included..."
---
$200 Exemption
"If you can not claim other exemptions because you have been out of
the country more than once in a 30-day period or because you have not
been out of the country for at least 48 hours, you may still bring
back $200 worth of items free of duty and tax. As with the exemptions
discussed earlier, these items must be for your personal or household
use."
$600 Exemption
"If you are returning directly from any one of the following 24
Caribbean Basin countries, your exemption is $600..."
$800 Exemption
"If you are returning from anywhere other than a Caribbean Basin
country or a U.S. insular possession (U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, or Guam), you may bring back $800 worth of items duty-free, as
long as you bring them with you This is called accompanied baggage..."
$1,600 Exemption
"If you return directly or indirectly from a U.S. insular possession
(U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or Guam), you are allowed a
$1,600 duty-free exemption..."
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/dutyfree_exemption.xml
The CBP publishes and excellent booklet titled, "Know Before You Go".
It explains everything you need to know about returning to the U.S,
and you can download it at the following link.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - Regulations for U.S. Residents
As an international traveler, you should be aware of the rules for
bringing items back from your trip.
- Introduction and Mission
- When You Return to the United States
- Documentary Requirements for Entry To The United States
General documentary requirements for all persons, regardless of
citizenship or residence, arriving at a U.S. port-of-entry.
- What You Must Declare
- Duty-free Exemption - Including Tobacco and Alcohol
- Duty-free or Reduced Rates
- Sending Goods to the United States
- Duty-Free Shops
- Determining Duty
- Prohibited and Restricted Items
- Money and Other Monetary Instruments
- Traveling Back and Forth Across the Border
- Other Travel-Related Information
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/knowbeforeyougo.ctt/knowbeforeyougo.doc
I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and I'll be
happy to reply.
Thank you,
hummer
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