Do You Have To Declare Gifts You Bring Back From A Foreign Country
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Do You Have to Declare Gifts You Bring Back from a Foreign Country?
Summary
Bringing back souvenirs for yourself, family, and friends during travel can add up in cost. Here's what you need to know about declaring these gifts.Article
When returning from a foreign trip, you must declare gifts intended for personal use, though they can be part of your personal exemption. This includes gifts received abroad, like wedding or birthday presents, as well as those brought back for others.
Exemptions and Restrictions:
- Gifts for business or promotional purposes cannot be included in your duty-free exemption.
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and perfumes containing alcohol and valued over $5 are excluded from the gift exemption.
Mailing Gifts:
- Gifts up to $100 can be sent duty-free and tax-free to friends or relatives in the U.S., provided the recipient doesn’t receive more than $100 in gifts on a single day. This amount rises to $200 if sent from an insular possession.
- You don’t need to declare gifts sent while traveling, as they won’t accompany you.
Consolidated Gift Packages:
Gifts for multiple recipients may be included in the same package if they are individually wrapped and labeled. To send a consolidated gift package, ensure:
- The outer wrapper is marked with "UNSOLICITED GIFT" and "CONSOLIDATED GIFT PACKAGE."
- The total value is labeled.
- Each recipient's name and the nature and value of the gifts are listed (e.g., "tennis shoes, $50; shirt, $45; toy car, $15").
Example:
- To John Jones: one belt, $20; one box of candy, $5; one tie, $20.
- To Mary Smith: one skirt, $45; one belt, $15; one pair of slacks, $30.
If an item exceeds the $100 limit, the entire package becomes subject to duty.
Sending to Yourself:
Travelers cannot send a gift package to themselves, nor can travel companions send gifts to each other. However, the personal exemption for packages mailed from abroad is $200, double the gift exemption.
Personal Belongings:
U.S. origin personal items that haven't been altered abroad can be sent back duty-free. Worn clothing mailed home is entry-free if marked "American Goods Returned."
Duty Payments:
If a package incurs duty, the U.S. Postal Service will collect it from the recipient along with any related charges. Duty prepayment is not possible; the recipient must cover it upon receipt.
For further information on mailing packages to the U.S., check the "Sending Goods to the United States" section on the Customs and Border Protection website. Ensure you have the latest details before you travel.
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