USA Customs Guide

🇺🇸 USA Customs Guide

Bringing Used Household Goods into the USA
Moving household goods to the United States? Understanding customs regulations is key to a smooth entry. Below is a simplified guide to help you prepare the necessary documents and avoid delays.

Documents Required
Copy of Passport – Some ports require passports for all family members listed on Form CF-3299.
Form CF-3299 – Declaration for free entry of unaccompanied articles.
Copy of Visa / Permanent Resident Card – Required for non-U.S. citizens or green card holders.
I-94 Arrival Stamp/Card – Shows the duration of stay in the U.S. (some ports require a copy).
Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – Needed for ocean or air shipments.
Detailed Inventory – Must be in English and clearly list all items (avoid “miscellaneous” or “packed by owner” descriptions).
Importer Security Filing (ISF) – Must be filed before vessel departure to avoid penalties for ocean shipments.
Food Questionnaire – If importing food items.
Permit C (Hawaii only) – Required if importing alcohol.
Supplemental Declaration (Hawaii only) – Required by most ports.

📌 For Diplomats

  1. A-1 Visa
  2. Form DS-1504 – Required for diplomatic clearance (must be submitted at least 10 days before shipment arrival).
  3. Customs Form 7501 – Customs entry summary.
  4. Consulate Officer Certificate & Diplomatic Card
  5. Important Customs Rules

✅ Duty-Free Eligibility

Household goods must have been used for at least 12 months before importation to qualify for duty-free entry.
Short-term visitors (B1/B2 visa holders) can only bring personal effects (e.g., clothing, toiletries) and cannot import household goods duty-free.
✅ Customs Inspection & Fees

All shipments are subject to customs inspection.
Examination fees range from USD $200–$1,700 for full container loads (FCL).
The owner is responsible for any costs and potential damages during inspections.
✅ Luxury & High-Value Items

Items used for less than 12 months may require duties.
Luxury goods and high-value items must be declared, along with receipts or proof of value.
Customs Form 3299 must list each item’s description, material, quantity, value (in USD), and country of origin.
✅ Shipments to Hawaii

Shipments from U.S. states to Hawaii are NOT subject to U.S. Customs clearance.
However, shipments from foreign countries to Hawaii follow the same regulations as the mainland U.S..
Outdoor equipment (e.g., garden tools, outdoor furniture, motorcycles) may be subject to agriculture inspections and fumigation costs.
✅ Prohibited & Restricted Items

Food, liquor, medications, and alcohol may be subject to intensive examinations.
If items contain dirt, insects, or snails, Hawaii’s Agriculture Department may require cleaning, fumigation, or freezing, at the owner’s expense.