Standard exemption raised for customs duty

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The total value of merchandise that people may bring back to the United States without having to pay duty will rise from $400 to $800, effective Monday, the U.S. Customs Service said yesterday.

The change affects the standard personal exemption; all other personal exemption rates remain unchanged.

The duty-free exemption applies if the items are for personal or household use or they are in a person's possession when returning to the United States. It also applies if items are declared to customs; if a person is returning from an overseas stay of at least 48 hours; if the items are not prohibited or restricted; or if a person has not used the exemption in the past 30 days.

Family members who live in the same home and return together to the United States may combine their standard personal exemptions.

Items purchased in Duty Free shops are subject to duty if the value of the total purchases exceeds $800.