By Linda Tancs

Humans and their furry companions aren’t the only things traveling.  During the holiday season in particular, gifts travel too.  For those traveling into the U.S. bearing gifts, you might be interested in knowing the Customs and Border Patrol regulations on the subject.  As a nonresident, you are allowed up to $100 worth of merchandise, free of duty and internal revenue tax, as gifts for other people. To claim this exemption, you must remain in the U.S.  for at least 72 hours, and the gifts must accompany you.  This $100 gift exemption, or any part of it, can be claimed only once every six months.  U.S. residents returning to the U.S. from a foreign country with gifts must declare them on a Customs declaration form along with items purchased or received.  The goods may be eligible for an exemption or reduced duty rate depending on the total amount of goods involved.  If you’re sending goods not exceeding $100 via mail, put the words “Unsolicited Gift”  on the outside wrapping.  Gift packages should also indicate the donor’s name, the nature of the gifts in the consolidated package (e.g., to or sweater), each gift’s accurate, fair retail value and the name of each recipient.  Now make like Santa and let the gift giving begin.

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 The author has not received any compensation for writing this content and has no material connection to the brands, topics, products and/or services that are mentioned herein.