We want you to have a good experience moving through the CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) clearance process. Being informed about restricted and prohibited items will help you avoid delays or complications in the process.

Due to it, we created a valuable list with some of these items. We hope you find it useful.

• Absinthe and other alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol: It is prohibited in the United States due to concerns about its potential for causing seizures and other health problems.
• Counterfeit goods: Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties and purchasing counterfeit goods often supports criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking.
• Endangered species and products made from them: It is illegal to import into the United States any endangered species or products made from them, such crocodile skin.
• Firearms and other weapons: They are prohibited unless they are properly declared and licensed. They must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
• Hazardous materials: These materials are prohibited from entering the United States unless they are properly packaged and labeled. Some examples include explosives, flammable liquids, and poisons.
• Illegal drugs: Any drugs that are not approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some examples include marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
• Obscene materials: materials that are considered to be lewd, lascivious, or filthy are prohibited. Some examples include pornography and child pornography.
• Pirated goods and stolen property: Are illegal to import into the United States. Some examples include counterfeit CDs, DVDs, and software.

• Certain foods, plants, and animals: These items may be allowed to enter the United States if they are accompanied by a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
• Currency and monetary instruments: Currency and monetary instruments in amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared to CBP upon arrival in the United States.
• Cultural artifacts:  Most countries have laws that protect their cultural property. These laws include export controls and/ or national ownership of cultural property. You must have documents such as export permits and receipts when importing such items into the United States.
• Medical devices: Are devices that are intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. These devices may be restricted from entering the United States if they are not approved by the FDA.
• Motor vehicles: These vehicles may be allowed to enter the United States if they are modified to meet U.S. standards or if they are imported for a temporary period of time.

Declare all items you are bringing into the United States, even if you are not sure if they are prohibited or restricted. As failure to declare all items can result in penalties.

And lastly, if you are not sure of whether you can bring an item or not,  get in touch with a CBP officer of visit their website for more information.

You can simply head to a designated Border Crossing with your visa and passport or opt for time-saving services like “Cross Now”. These services can expedite the process, ensuring a hassle-free border crossing experience.

References for this article:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). (2023). Prohibited and Restricted Items. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2023). Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home/
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). (2023). Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.fws.gov/
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). (2023). Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.atf.gov/
• S. Customs and Border Protection. (2023). The truth behind counterfeits. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers