How to Declare Goods at Customs in South Carolina, United States

All travelers entering the United States through South Carolina must declare their goods to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), following specific procedures for items acquired abroad, currency, and restricted goods to avoid penalties.

U.S. Customs Declaration Overview for Travelers

All persons entering the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The primary goals are to control the flow of goods into the country, collect appropriate duties and taxes, and prevent the entry of prohibited or restricted items. Declaring your goods is a legal requirement.

Legal Requirement

Failure to properly declare items can result in civil and criminal penalties under Title 19 of the United States Code. Penalties may include substantial fines and seizure of the undeclared goods.

What Must Be Declared

You must declare all articles you acquired abroad and are bringing into the United States. This includes, but is not limited to:

Item Category Examples Declaration Notes Special Considerations Potential Duty
Purchases & Gifts Souvenirs, clothing, electronics, jewelry Declare total fair retail value in the country of acquisition. Gifts for others must still be declared by the traveler. Applicable over exemption
Commercial Goods Samples for business, items for resale Must be declared separately; different rules apply. May require a formal entry and additional documentation. Typically subject to duty
Currency & Monetary Instruments Cash, traveler's checks, money orders Mandatory report for amounts over $10,000 on FINCEN Form 105. Includes foreign currency and equivalent value. Not subject to duty, but must be reported
Food & Agricultural Products Fruits, meats, cheeses, plants Almost always must be declared due to pest/disease risks. Many are prohibited or require special permits. Possible if admissible
Alcohol & Tobacco Wine, spirits, cigarettes Quantities over small personal use limits are subject to duty and tax. Must meet state (SC) and federal age requirements. Often applicable

Declaration Procedures Upon Arrival

Step 1: Complete the Declaration Form

Each traveler or family unit must fill out CBP Form 6059B (the customs declaration). This is typically distributed on your plane or ship before landing. Provide accurate and complete information.

Step 2: Proceed to Primary Inspection

After disembarking, follow signs to CBP inspection. Have your passport, visa (if required), and completed declaration form ready for the officer.

Step 3: Answer Questions Honestly

The CBP officer will ask about your trip and what you are bringing into the U.S. Answer all questions truthfully. Misrepresentation is a serious offense.

Step 4: Secondary Inspection (If Needed)

If directed, proceed to secondary inspection for a more detailed examination of your baggage or documents. This is a routine procedure.

Duty-Free Exemptions and Calculations

Traveler Status General Exemption Applicable From Special Notes Common Items with Separate Limits
U.S. Residents $800 Most countries Includes purchases and gifts. Must be for personal use. Alcohol (1 liter), Tobacco (200 cigarettes)
Non-U.S. Residents $100 All countries Applies to gifts for others in the U.S. Alcohol (1 liter), Tobacco (200 cigarettes)
Travelers from Insular Possessions (e.g., U.S. Virgin Islands) $1600 Insular Possessions No more than $800 can be from non-insular possession sources. Alcohol (5 liters total, 1L from non-insular), Tobacco (1000 cigarettes)

Note: Duty is calculated on the fair retail value of goods exceeding your personal exemption. The duty rate varies by item and country of origin. CBP officers use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to determine rates.

Duty Payment and Procedures

If the total value of your declared goods exceeds your duty-free exemption, you will be required to pay duty on the excess amount.

Payment Method Availability Process Considerations Receipt
U.S. Currency (Cash) Widely accepted Pay the exact amount calculated by the CBP officer. Large amounts may be inconvenient to carry. CBP provides a receipt.
Personal Check Generally accepted Made payable to "U.S. Customs and Border Protection." Must be from a U.S. bank. Verify with the port. CBP provides a receipt.
Government Check / Money Order Generally accepted Made payable to "U.S. Customs and Border Protection." Often a secure alternative to cash. CBP provides a receipt.
Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard) At some ports Payment processed at the inspection station. Not all ports or lanes offer this. Check in advance. CBP and credit card receipt.

Important

Duty payment is due immediately at the time of entry. You cannot leave the inspection area to get money or return later to pay. Plan accordingly if you expect to exceed your exemption.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Agricultural Items

Most fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and many meats/poultry are prohibited to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Declare all such items.

Medications

Declare all prescription and over-the-counter medications. Narcotics and certain other medications are strictly controlled. Carry in original containers with a doctor's note/prescription.

Firearms and Ammunition

Extremely strict regulations apply. They must be declared and you must have necessary permits (e.g., ATF Form 6NIA). Check CBP and ATF regulations well before travel.

Counterfeit Items

Goods that infringe on trademarks or copyrights (e.g., fake designer bags, watches, DVDs) are prohibited and will be seized.

Cultural Artifacts and Wildlife Products

Items made from endangered species (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) and certain cultural artifacts may be prohibited under international treaties and U.S. law.

Required Documentation and Forms

CBP Form 6059B - Customs Declaration

The primary form for all travelers. It asks for basic biographic information, flight details, and a list of items being brought into the U.S.

FINCEN Form 105 - Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments

Mandatory if you are transporting more than $10,000 (or foreign equivalent) in currency or monetary instruments. Failure to file can result in seizure of the funds.

Supporting Documents for Goods

Carry receipts for valuable purchases abroad to verify value. For medications, carry prescriptions. For business samples, carry a commercial invoice.

South Carolina Ports of Entry Specifics

South Carolina has several major ports of entry where these procedures apply.

Port Name Type Primary Traffic Key Contacts / Info Special Notes for Declarations
Charleston International Airport (CHS) Airport International flights, primarily from Europe and Canada CBP Inspection Station located in main terminal. Standard airport procedures. Major port for the state.
Port of Charleston Seaport Cruise ships, commercial cargo Passengers processed at cruise terminals. Cruise passengers follow similar but often streamlined group procedures.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Airport Limited international flights (seasonal/charter) CBP services may be available for pre-cleared or specific flights. Verify CBP hours and availability if arriving on an international flight.
Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) Airport Limited international flights CBP services may be available for specific flights. Verify CBP hours and availability if arriving on an international flight.

Tip: Regardless of the South Carolina port you use, the federal CBP rules and declaration procedures are identical. The main difference may be in the volume of passengers and available amenities.

Customs Declaration Preparation Checklist

Before You Travel to the U.S.

  1. Check the latest prohibited and restricted items list on the CBP website.
  2. Organize receipts for purchases made abroad, especially high-value items.
  3. Ensure medications are in original containers with prescriptions/doctor's notes.
  4. If carrying over $10,000, prepare to complete FINCEN Form 105.

On the Flight/Vessel (Before Arrival)

  1. Complete CBP Form 6059B accurately and legibly for your family group.
  2. Calculate the total value of all goods you will declare.
  3. Have your passport and visa (if required) easily accessible.

At the CBP Inspection Area

  1. Have your completed declaration form, passport, and visa ready.
  2. Answer all officer questions truthfully and completely.
  3. Declare all items as required. If unsure about an item, declare it.
  4. Be prepared to pay duty if your goods exceed your exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What items must I declare at U.S. customs?

A. You must declare all articles acquired abroad and being brought into the United States, including gifts, purchases, and duty-free items. This includes items you are carrying with you, as well as items you are shipping separately. You must also declare any currency or monetary instruments over $10,000.

What is the duty-free exemption for travelers?

A. The personal exemption amount varies. For U.S. residents, it is generally $800 if arriving from most countries. Different rules and amounts apply for travelers arriving from certain countries or territories, and for non-residents. Always check the latest rules with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

What happens if I don't declare an item?

A. Failure to declare items can lead to penalties, which may include substantial fines and seizure of the undeclared goods. It is a violation of U.S. law and can result in delays, questioning, and potentially being denied entry.

How do I declare goods valued over my exemption?

A. You must declare the total value of all goods acquired abroad. If the total value exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay duty and taxes on the excess amount. The CBP officer will calculate the amount owed, which you can typically pay by cash, personal check, or sometimes credit card at the port of entry.

Are there items I cannot bring into the United States?

A. Yes, many items are prohibited or restricted. These include certain fruits, meats, plants, soil, products made from endangered species, narcotics, and counterfeit items. Firearms and ammunition have strict regulations. Always check the CBP website for the most current list of prohibited and restricted items before you travel.

Do I need to declare medications?

A. Yes, you should declare all medications you are carrying. It is recommended to keep them in their original prescription containers and carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor's note. Some medications that are legal in other countries may be controlled or illegal in the U.S.

What forms do I need to fill out?

A. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B, usually provided on your flight or vessel. You will present this form to the CBP officer upon arrival. Some travelers may also need other forms for specific items like agricultural products or large amounts of currency.

How does declaring goods work at a South Carolina port of entry?

A. The process is standard for U.S. ports. Upon arrival at an airport like Charleston (CHS) or a seaport, you will proceed to CBP inspection. You will present your passport, completed declaration form, and any visas. Answer the officer's questions honestly about what you are bringing into the country. Your baggage may be inspected.

Official U.S. Customs Resources

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Official Website: www.cbp.gov
  • CBP "Know Before You Go" Traveler Information Page
  • CBP List of Prohibited and Restricted Items
  • FINCEN Form 105 (Currency Reporting)
  • Charleston International Airport (CHS) CBP Information

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Customs regulations are complex and subject to change. Travelers are solely responsible for knowing and complying with all current U.S. laws and regulations administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Agriculture, and other relevant federal agencies. Always consult the official CBP website or contact CBP directly for the most authoritative and up-to-date information. Penalties for non-compliance are governed by Title 19 of the United States Code and related regulations.