Do I have to declare everything I purchased to U.S. Customs?
Say I am a U.S. Citizen and travel to another country, and while there I buy food at some restaurant or whatever that's no longer tangible; or maybe I buy something but only use it there and do not have anything on me upon return. Do I have to declare that? Or is "declaring" only for tangible items you're carrying with you? I just want to be on the safe side since I don't want to be fined or anything.
Best Answer
When you fly back to the US, you'll be given a Customs declaration form on the plane to fill out. It looks like this.
Question 15 is what you're interested in:
The total value of all goods, including commercial merchandise I/we have purchased or acquired abroad, (including gifts for someone else, but not items mailed to the U.S.) and am/are bringing to the U.S. is:
In other words, add up the value of everything you are bringing into the US that you didn't have before and write it in the box. If you aren't bringing it back with you into the country, don't include it. If you already owned it before you left the country (e.g. your clothes, cell phone, etc...), don't include it.
Meals already in your stomach have a value of $0.
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Would you always declare everything at customs?
While each traveler has an aforementioned duty exemption, you still are required to declare anything you bought while abroad \u2014 whether it's stationery, artwork, gifts, or even clothes you brought from home and had altered in a foreign country.What items need to be declared at US Customs?
What Must I Declare?- Anything you bought (including from duty-free shops or on a ship or airplane)
- Anything you inherited or received as a gift (you'll have to estimate the fair market price of the gift)
- Anything you brought home for a friend.
- Anything you plan to use or sell in your business.
What does it mean when customs asks if you have anything to declare?
In essence, you have to declare any items you purchased and/or are carrying with you upon your return to the United States that you did not have when you left. This may include gifts you bought for others or received while abroad, souvenirs, or even found items.Which goods are exempted from customs duty?
Exemption to goods from Customs duty only when imported against an Advance Licence (without Actual user condition) - Notification No. 107/95-Cus dated 2.6.1995. 12. Exemption to inputs for leather and textile garments when imported against a Value Based Advance Licence issued on or after 19.9.1995 - Notification No.U.S. Customs and Duty-Free Allowances: Everything You Need To Know
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Answer 2
You have to declare anything you bought abroad and bring back to the US (beyond your allowances).
You do not need to declare any goods you consumed, threw away, or gave away while abroad.
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