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US customs exemption for returning residents
Enter how long you were outside the United States to see which CBP personal exemption applies, with the alcohol and tobacco allowance CBP states.
Enter a time to see your exemption.
What CBP says
A returning U.S. resident who has remained outside U.S. territory for at least 48 hours is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption. CBP's page states the $800 exemption can be used once every 31 days. The 48 hours are computed exactly (19 CFR 148.35).
Under 19 CFR 148.35(a) the $800 exemption may be allowed on articles acquired abroad by a returning resident arriving directly from Mexico without regard to how long the person was outside the United States.
The $800 exemption needs at least 48 hours abroad unless you arrive directly from Mexico (19 CFR 148.35). CBP's page says personal exemptions are $200, $800 or $1,600 depending on the countries visited, and the text we read does not say which conditions apply to the $200 figure. Ask a CBP officer or check CBP before you rely on it.
Alcohol and tobacco
One litre of alcoholic beverage for personal use is duty-free within the returning-resident allowance (CBP). Alcohol beyond that is dutiable even if you are under your dollar exemption. Federal rules treat persons under 21 as not eligible to include alcohol in a grouped family exemption (19 CFR 148.34).
Not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars are included in the exemption (CBP).
Sources
- CBP: Customs Duty Info, page dated 2025-12-30, read 2026-10-20.
- CBP: Shopping Abroad, Duty Free, Gifts, Household Items, page dated 2026-01-22, read 2026-10-20.
- 19 CFR 148.35: Length of stay for exemption of articles acquired abroad, read 2026-10-20.
Rules change. Figures above are copied from the pages listed, as read on the date shown. Your border officer's decision at the time of crossing is final.