Specific limits and rules exist in regard to the transport of goods, objects, precious and cash/ titles, and the luggage might be checked by the competent authorities (customs). In order to avoid long waiting times at the customs, it is better to know beforehand what is allowed and what is not.
Since the luggage can be opened and be put under revision from the CBP, we advise you to be prepared for this circumstance, so that the process will be handled quickly and smoothly.
Liquid chlorine, flammable paints, and fireworks are absolutely prohibited. Hammers, Drills and other work tools, baseball, golf or hockey bats, firearms and ammunition (under certain conditions) are permitted in the baggage if you have an authorization.
For hand baggage, one for each person, it must always be kept in mind that any liquid container, hair gel, or aerosol can not exceed 100 ml. These limits may be exceeded only in some cases:
There are then prohibitions and restrictions on many products. If you want to bring along one of the products listed, you should strictly follow the CBP guidelines (US Customs)
In general, you can bring any medicinal product you need if provided with recipe and if this remains in the original box. We want to stress that products such as contact lenses need a prescription in the United States. The quantity allowed varies depending on the time period of your you stay in the US. For residents, the maximum quantity is 50 doses.
You must inform the customs officer in regards to medicines that can be used as drugs or which are addictive, as like some medicine for coughing, antidepressants or sleeping pills.
It is partially allowed the entrance of cheese and bakery products. It is always better to check first.
It is not allowed to bring instant soups or similar products, as well as meat of farm animals, raw or cooked: that is you can’t import any cured meat.
If you have an export license issued by the country of origin, it is allowed to bring in the United States objects like sculptures, prints, and works of art. However, you must pay attention to the type of license you have because it has often happened that some permissions, even from large companies, proved to be false or invalid.
The pieces of art from Mali, Cyprus, Iraq or Cambodia are examined with particular attention given cases of looting in the last years.
Company airlines require certificates of good health, even if not required by the customs. This serves to demonstrate that the pet will not suffer or is a bearer of diseases.
The import of products containing dogs or cats is prohibited, and incurs a penalty that can reach 10,000 USD.
Birds taken from home must be subjected to quarantine at the time of entry into the United States. The owner must declare them before you beginning the trip. He must also fill the module VS 17-129 and pay the fee for the quarantine before starting the journey.
Hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and similar animals may be introduced without carrying out any practice. However, to avoid problems with the customs, we recommend to bring a certificate.
In general, when carrying animals in the United States, it is advisable to get informed about the conditions laid down by each Member State.
A few weeks ago Mrs. Grace and her husband Frank went to Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit their son, which is a teacher of economics at the local university.
Grace lives in south of France, homeland of pate and cheese!
Thinking of doing something pleasant to her son Paul, the lady and her husband brought with them in their journey some of the delicacies of their land.
Once in flight, while filling the customs form known as form 6059B (this is delivered by the flight attendants before landing at the destination, in order to be ready upon arrival), to the question whether the passenger brought along meat or food products, our protagonists had a first hint that something was not OK with the food in their luggage. In any case, to a specific question in customs form, they opted for responding No.
Once arrived, Grace and Frank underwent a more detailed check from the Authorities.
While opening the luggage you can imagine that the our couple did not feel comfortable at all. Food products were in fact seized, and the spouses fined for not declaring them.
Mario is an entrepreneur in tourism field, member of a German tour operator based in Monaco of Bavaria. His specialization is journeys in the American continent. In arrival to Miami from Mexico, after having stopped for a couple of days in Cuba, Mario brought with him some Cubans cigars.
Upon arrival at Miami, Mario declared to possess tobacco.
Once at the customs, at a specific question by the agent in charge, Mario declared the provenience of the tobacco.
Since Cuba is part of the list of countries with economic embargo by the United States of America (along with North Korea, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Burma), Mario’s cigars were confiscated.
Before entering the United States with an Esta, if you are not sure about the legality of certain products you own, it is a good idea to double check with our customer service they are allowed to enter the U.S.. It could result in a seizure penalty at the U.S. Customs.
1. Complete the application form in full.
2. Confirm personal and payment information.
3. Receive a confirmation email from us shortly.