U.S. Customs: Prohibited and Restricted Items - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Items that may pose a threat to our nation’s health or safety, or harm our political interests are prohibited or restricted. Prohibited items are illegal and are by no means allowed into the United States. Restricted items are those that may be brought into the U.S. but require a special permit or license.

Restricted Items

• Cultural Artifacts and Property – more information can be found on the State Department’s cultural property Web Site at http://exchanges.state.gov/culprop/index.html.

• Automobiles imported into the United States must meet the fuel-emission requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the safety, bumper, and theft-prevention standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT). – more information can be found at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/importexportcar.ctt/importingacar.doc.

• Firearms - For further information about importing weapons, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20226; or call (202) 927-8320.

• Fish and Wildlife (some items are prohibited) – More information can be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Division of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 3247, Arlington, VA 22203-3247, or by calling (800) 358-2104.

• Game and hunting trophies – More information can be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Division of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 3247, Arlington, VA 22203-3247, or by calling (800) 358-2104.

• Plants (some are prohibited) see also http://www.aphis.usda.gov/subjects/importing/
  
• Gold coins, medals and bullion (gold items originating in Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia and Sudan are prohibited) 

Prohibited Items

• The importation of Absinthe and any other liquors or liqueurs that contain an excess of Artemisia absinthium is prohibited.

• Articles bearing marks that are counterfeit of a federally registered trademark are subject to seizure and forfeiture. Articles bearing marks that are confusingly similar to a registered trademark, and gray market articles (goods bearing genuine marks not intended for importation into the United States) may be subject to detention and seizure.

• It is illegal in the United States to import, export, distribute, transport, manufacture, or sell products containing dog or cat fur in the United States.

• Drug Paraphernalia - It is illegal to bring drug paraphernalia into the U.S. unless they have been prescribed for authentic medical conditions.

• Certain Food Products such as fruit, vegetables, meat or meat products

• Narcotics and certain other drugs with a potential for abuse

• Merchandise from any of the following countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Serbia, and Sudan.

U.S Customs > Making a Declaration > Duty-Free Exemption > Duty-Free Shops > Paying a Duty > Prohibited and Restricted Items