Shipping Gifts Into The US? Here Is What You Need To Know

It has been a year of significant change in the world of international trade. There are new regulations, new ways of doing things at ports of entry, and Customs audits on the rise, which means even the Claus’s are wondering what they need to do at the border - and with so many international shipments in a single night, rightfully so. 

‘Tis the season for people and businesses of all shapes and sizes to start importing gifts to a wide range of destinations and through many varied channels. With that in mind, in this week’s blog, we are going to look at what is required of those arrangements while answering the big questions importers have during the holiday season, including:  

• How much do you have to pay for gifts crossing Customs?  
• Which goods or gifts are exempt from Customs duty in the USA?
• What about business-to-business (B2B)? What if it’s for personal relations? 
• When shipping gifts into the USA, what items need to be declared at Customs? 
• What are the Customs limits for bringing goods into the US?
• Is there a personal limit for US Customs imports? 

This year, we’re giving you the gift of clarity on some of these issues with a few helpful tips to make your holiday imports a bit smoother.

Tips for Sending Gifts from a Business to a Business

Generally speaking, shipments intended as business-to-business (B2B) gifts are considered commercial shipments and, in the broadest sense, will not qualify for any existing personal gift exemptions. 

As a result of the end of de minimis shipping in the US, virtually all B2B shipments, regardless of their value or their nature as a ‘gift,’ are now subject to the full payment of duties and Customs entry requirements. 

B2B Gifts Sent via Commercial Courier or Carrier 

The easiest way to think about B2B gifts is that they are not considered any different than any other shipment made into the US. The requirements are the same, including following the regulations and requirements of any relevant Participating Government Agency (PGA). 

Most importantly, this means that they will need to be declared appropriately. Audits are up, and this is the time to ensure we all do everything we can to stay compliant this year. After all, Santa isn’t the only one who keeps an eye on good behavior throughout the year. 

If you are splashing out to ship a costly gift to the US, this is a great opportunity to contact your friendly Import Team here at PCB. We can help you through the process, ensuring you have everything you need for your gifts where they are going without running into trouble in the new year.

Need a US Commercial Invoice? Download Yours Here.

We also encourage you to check out the international shipping guide provided by USPS for more details on their requirements.

Gifts Sent to Family and Friends

Shipping gifts to friends and family is the most common kind of import at this time of year, and in general, several considerations in play make it simpler and less restrictive than the metaphorical ‘full board press’ that often characterizes importing B2B gifts. 

Gifts Sent by Mail

Importers of personal gifts benefit from a duty-free exemption of $100, so long as that same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts in a single day. However, with the end of de minimis, any amount above that $100 is open to additional taxation and duty as is appropriate for that import. It is worth noting that if the gifts are mailed or shipped from an insular possession, such as Guam or American Samoa, this amount is then increased to $200.  

For a few more points of clarity, always remember that gifts must qualify as ‘bona fide’ to benefit from the $100 exemption, which is to say, they are sent unsolicited, person-to-person, and without commercial intent. Additionally, alcohol, tobacco, dirt from certain plants, and perfume containing alcohol cannot be sent as gifts duty-free, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them so shop and ship accordingly. 

Gifts Sent by Mail for More Than One Person

Gifts for more than one person may be shipped in the same package, provided they are each individually wrapped and labeled with each recipient’s name. 

The outermost wrapper must be marked in the following way:

• With the words “Unsolicited Gift” and “Consolidated Gift Package”
• With the total value of the consolidated package
• With the recipients’ names
• With the nature and value of the gifts inside. For example, tennis shoes, $70, shirt, $45, toy car, $15

Remember, what items need to be declared at Customs in the USA can be as important as how they are declared. Your finished gifts should end up being marked something like the following:

• To John Adams, one belt, $20; one box of candy, $8;
• To Ellen Riley, one skirt, $45, one belt, $15

Notably, if any of these items exceed the $100 gift allowance, the whole package is dutiable - so import with intention. 

As a reminder for all gift imports, please note that if a package sent by mail is dutiable, the US Postal Service will collect the duty from the recipient, along with any postage or handling fees. Import carefully, and be sure not to give the gift of additional charges this holiday season. 

Government Agency Regulations?

Many popular gift options are subject to a wide range of additional criteria before being approved. For example, chocolates, candy, and other food products require further review by a PGA. However, this shouldn’t suggest that only gifts containing food and beverage items might need more scrutiny. Some, like alcohol, tobacco, perfume with alcohol in it, and even dirt that often accompanies plants, might leave you with more trouble than they are worth. 

It is always a good idea to check which agencies might regulate the gift item you plan to send before you end up unintentionally overpaying in duties and tariffs.

Is My Shipment Subject to Participating Government Agency Review? Download the Guide.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Like a relative with strong opinions, prohibited and restricted items are ripe for ruining the holidays. If you are giving a gift and are unsure if it's a prohibited or restricted item, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the relevant list before buying. 

Prohibited Items

These items are among the most common that are forbidden by law from entering the US. 

A few examples of ‘gifts’ that are prohibited include:

• Dangerous materials
• Fake or counterfeit goods 
• Animal products, including bushmeat 
• Illegal substances 

Restricted Items

These items require a special license or permit granted by a federal agency before they can enter the US. 

Some examples include: 

• Firearms
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Certain fruits and vegetables
• Animal products
• Animal by-products
• Certain animals

The complete list of all goods restricted or prohibited in the US can be found on the CBP website. 

While prohibited items are out this holiday season, restricted items are possible, provided you go through the appropriate steps. Please note that restricted goods are not eligible for the $100 gift exemption.  

With that, you’re ready to get shopping for gifts this season. For further guidance regarding the shipment and import of gifts, we recommend the Partner Government Agencies' Import Guides and the US Customs and Border Protection Basic Importing/Exporting Guide for rulings and regulations from those agencies. If you have any other questions or queries, we encourage you to contact our Import Services team 24/7.