United States Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This United States customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or door-to-door shipping to the United States of America. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulates import rules for personal effects, vehicles, pets and restricted goods. Proper documentation is essential for duty-free entry.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to the United States, including export packing, customs preparation, bonded shipments, and final delivery to major destinations including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

1. Moving to the United States – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Used Personal Goods

The United States allows the duty-free import of used household goods and personal effects if:

Items have been owned and used for at least 12 months
Goods are for personal use—not resale
You are returning to the U.S. or taking up legal residence
Proper forms are completed for CBP (U.S. Customs)

Important: New or recently purchased goods are subject to duty and may require receipts.

1.2 Required CBP Forms

CBP Form 3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
Supplemental Declaration for household goods (where required)
Passport, visa or proof of residency status

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

The following documents are normally required for customs clearance:

Copy of passport (photo page)
Completed CBP Form 3299
Detailed inventory of goods in English
Bill of lading / air waybill
Proof of residency or visa status

2.2 Inventory Rules

Provide clear descriptions of goods (avoid vague terms such as “misc.”)
Identify high-value items separately
Electronics may require proof of ownership
Used items are generally duty-free; new goods may incur duty and taxes

H-H Relocations Tip: U.S. customs officers focus on clarity. A well-structured CBP 3299 and clean inventory list minimizes questions and delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into the United States

3.1 Vehicle Rules

Vehicles must comply with U.S. safety and environmental standards enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Vehicle must meet U.S. EPA emissions standards
Vehicles may require modifications before registration
Import duty may apply unless duty-free eligibility is proven
Non-compliant vehicles may be refused entry

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original ownership/title documents
Insurance certificate
Bill of lading / air waybill
CBP vehicle import declaration forms

Important: Vehicles not meeting U.S. EPA or DOT standards may require costly modifications or may be denied entry.

4. Bringing Pets to the United States

The U.S. has specific import rules for pets based on species, origin country and vaccination history.

4.1 General Pet Requirements

Valid rabies vaccination for dogs (required for many entry points)
Pets must appear healthy at time of arrival
Microchip recommended for identification
Some states have additional rules

Pet Travel Tip: U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) may impose restrictions depending on pet type and origin. Always confirm before departure.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Other Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol imports are subject to U.S. Customs and may incur duty, even for personal quantities. The importer must be over 21 years of age and comply with U.S. state alcohol regulations.

5.2 Tobacco & Smoking Products

Tobacco products may be imported in limited quantities for personal use. Commercial quantities require permits and may trigger excise taxes.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

Meat, dairy and certain plants are restricted under USDA rules
Some food and plant items require permits or certificates
Biosecurity rules are strictly enforced at U.S. borders

Important: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) may seize prohibited items without compensation.

5.4 Controlled Goods

Certain items require authorization:

Prescription medicines must be accompanied by documentation
Hazardous materials, aerosols and chemicals require permits
Weapons and ammunition are highly regulated

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to the United States

The United States strictly prohibits the import of the following items:

Illegal narcotics and controlled substances
Unauthorized weapons, explosives and ammunition
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Obscene materials or banned publications
Endangered species products without CITES permits
Hazardous chemicals, toxic materials and unsafe consumer goods

Violating U.S. import rules may result in fines, seizure of goods, or legal prosecution. Always verify before packing.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to the United States

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to the United States, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Begin customs paperwork early—especially CBP Form 3299
Separate new goods from used goods in your inventory
Label high-value items clearly and retain purchase receipts
Keep passports, visas and personal documents with you
Verify destination state rules, which may vary by jurisdiction

7.2 Why choose a U.S. relocation specialist

The U.S. customs process requires accurate declarations and compliance with CBP rules. Working with a professional international moving company ensures:

Correct completion of CBP Form 3299 and any supplementary forms
Guidance on restricted and prohibited items
Door-to-door service, including customs coordination and delivery
Reduced risk of delays, storage charges or inspection penalties

Relocation Tip: The most common cause of shipment delay in the USA is an incomplete CBP Form 3299. Submit it early and ensure every item is accounted for.

8. Useful Official Links – United States

Verify U.S. import regulations directly with official government agencies:

This guide supports your relocation process. Final import decisions rest with U.S. Customs and other authorized agencies.