What to declare. We'll get into specifics in a bit, but as a general rule of thumb, anything you obtained abroad needs to be declared. Some examples include: Purchases made abroad, including gifts for friends and family or something you will use or sell in your business.

Technically, yes—you are legally required to declare all items you acquired abroad that you are bringing back into the country, including gifts and duty-free purchases. However, in practice, customs officers are primarily looking for items that exceed your personal exemption limit (usually $800 for U.S. residents) or restricted items like specific fruits, meats, and bulk currency over $10,000. While you don't need to list every single $5 souvenir on your verbal declaration, you must be honest if asked. Failing to declare a "big ticket" item like a luxury watch or a prohibited food item can result in the item being seized, a fine of several hundred dollars, and the permanent loss of your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck privileges. The rule of thumb is: if you are unsure if you should declare it, declare it. It is much easier to have an officer tell you "that's fine, go ahead" than to be caught "smuggling" an expensive handbag or a piece of cured ham.