🇺🇸 Import Customs & Duties: United States
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
0%
No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Note: De minimis $800 exemption suspended since Aug 2025. All imports now subject to duties. No federal sales tax; state taxes may apply
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12-32% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-48% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-25% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-3% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-6.5% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Shipments under $800 are duty-free under Section 321. Commercial shipments require a customs broker or self-filing via ACE.
What to Actually Expect
Efficient automated system (ACE). Express shipments clear same day. USPS shipments may take 1-3 days at ISC facilities. Section 321 de minimis at $800 is the highest in the world, making most personal imports duty-free.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Most goods do not require import licenses. Exceptions include firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain agricultural products regulated by USDA, FDA, ATF, and other agencies.
Certificate of Origin
Required for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA (ex-NAFTA) and other FTAs. Self-certification is accepted. No specific form required for general imports.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to United States:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $0 | $2 |
| $100 | $3 | $0 | $3 |
| $200 | $7 | $0 | $7 |
| $500 | $17 | $0 | $17 |
| $1000 | $34 | $0 | $34 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for United States?
United States has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to United States?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to United States is 0%. VAT applies to: No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
How long does customs clearance take in United States?
Typical customs clearance in United States takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into United States?
To import into United States, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into United States?
United States prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.