How does custom work for LPR?

[customques 0]

I am a LPR. I am currently traveling outside the U.S. for the first time since receiving my green card. During my trip, I purchased a few items that I plan to bring back to the U.S. but I am not sure how the customs would work. Here is a list of items I am bringing:

 

ITEM1 ---- Silver bracelets (~$100 -- pic of receipt available on my phone)

ITEM2 ---- Printed, framed paintings (ordered online NOT actual paintings from a painter) ~$30 (pic of receipts available on my phone)

ITEM3 ---- Handicraft items I purchased at a tourist site (bags, clay model) ~$40 (no receipt as I bought them from street vendors)

 

I am mostly concerned about the bracelets as they are jewelry items although very inexpensive. My questions are:

 

1. Do I need to declare ALL these items on the custom form?

2. Do I need receipt for ALL these items?

3. Is there a limit below which I do not have to disclose anything?

4. Should I not bring the paintings since they may be scrutinized more?

 

Please advise on how to navigate the custom form when traveling back to the U.S. Also, does the airline provide me the customs form or do I have to print it and fill it here before I get on the flight?

@pushbrk @JFH @Scandi @Timona

Edited April 20, 2023 by customques

[Mike E 11,741]

Declare everything bought.

 

Bribg receipts

 

Paper customs forms are rarely used now. List purchases on a scrap piece of paper.

[customques 0]

36 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Declare everything bought.

 

Bribg receipts

 

Paper customs forms are rarely used now. List purchases on a scrap piece of paper.

I do not have receipts for some items (very inexpensive bags) - what should I do? Not bring them?

[Mike E 11,741]

6 minutes ago, customques said:

I do not have receipts for some items (very inexpensive bags) - what should I do? Not bring them?

Estimate their value, ideally from memory of what you paid.

[customques 0]

20 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Estimate their value, ideally from memory of what you paid.

That is what I was trying to drive at. So if I estimate it from memory then I should have no issues with CBP?

[Dashinka 24,657]

2 minutes ago, customques said:

That is what I was trying to drive at. So if I estimate it from memory then I should have no issues with CBP?

More than likely no, but no one can completely predict.  As @Mike E stated, best to declare it all.

 

Good Luck!

[JeanneAdil 6,592]

believe it or not ,  CBP officers have a pretty good idea of authentic vs copy and the values of items bought in other countries

 

guess i watch too many National Geographic on border security

[OldUser 7,035]

Did you buy them for personal use or resell?

[customques 0]

Just now, OldUser said:

Did you buy them for personal use or resell?

Personal use. May gift to relatives (will not sell but give as a gift). Does that change anything?

[OldUser 7,035]

24 minutes ago, customques said:

Personal use. May gift to relatives (will not sell but give as a gift). Does that change anything?

Check this out

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/what-expect-when-you-return

[customques 0]

3 hours ago, Mike E said:

Paper customs forms are rarely used now. List purchases on a scrap piece of paper.

How do I fill the information then? Is there a booth where you enter information electronically after landing? In my experience of international travel, they usually give you custom forms in the flight.

[Mike E 11,741]

3 minutes ago, customques said:

How do I fill the information then? Is there a booth where you enter information electronically after landing?

You might or might not enter this electronically  at  kiosk when you arrive. This depends on the airport and the whims of the CBP station manager.

 

You might be asked to make verbal declaration. Hence the advice to write this down. If you have it on your phone, and take it out to show the officer, IME the officer will scream at you.

 

3 minutes ago, customques said:

 

In my experience of international travel, they usually give you custom forms in the flight.

And IME, fewer countries are doing this than before. Mexico did in 2022, and did not in 2023 for us. Thailand did in 2018, and did not in 2022 for us. The U.S. used to always do it. I have not used a U.S. customs form in over 3 years.

[customques 0]

11 minutes ago, Mike E said:

You might or might not enter this electronically  at  kiosk when you arrive. This depends on the airport and the whims of the CBP station manager.

 

You might be asked to make verbal declaration. Hence the advice to write this down. If you have it on your phone, and take it out to show the officer, IME the officer will scream at you.

 

And IME, fewer countries are doing this than before. Mexico did in 2022, and did not in 2023 for us. Thailand did in 2018, and did not in 2022 for us. The U.S. used to always do it. I have not used a U.S. customs form in over 3 years.

Thank you so much for all your answers. I think I have a good idea of what to expect in the process. Finally, any advice on the inexpensive silver jewelry? Looks like I just need to write it down with estimated value in USD and carry receipts for anything I can.

Also, do I need to report hand me down clothes I was given during my trip and I am bringing with me? lol

Edited April 20, 2023 by customques

[Mike E 11,741]

2 minutes ago, customques said:

Finally, any advice on the inexpensive silver jewelry?

Declare it or leave it behind.

 

I over value trinkets when I do not have the receipts. Usually my duty exemption is $800.

 

The only time I paid duty was on a $3000 purchase. I paid under $100 duty.

 

 

[Timona 4,208]

Nothing I see that needs declaration. And I travel frequently. 

 

I mean, can we not buy things abroad?😁