Shipping Personal Effects to the USA

Used personal and household effects can generally enter the United States free of duty for returning residents and new immigrants — but every shipment must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using Form 3299 and supporting documentation. This guide explains who qualifies, what paperwork your broker will need, which items are restricted, and what the door-to-door process realistically looks like.

Returning resident vs new immigrant — who qualifies

CBP distinguishes between two main groups when used personal effects arrive in the USA. Each has slightly different documentation expectations, but both rely on Form 3299:

Returning US residents (US citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain long-term visa holders) bringing back used household goods that were owned and used abroad.
New immigrants and certain non-immigrant visa holders importing used household goods on first arrival to establish a residence.
Goods must generally have been owned and used by you abroad — items bought new and shipped immediately may attract duty.

CBP Form 3299 and supporting documents

Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) is the central document for shipped household goods. Your customs broker will file it on your behalf, supported by an itemised inventory (the packing list from your moving company), a copy of your passport and visa stamp, and proof of US address. CBP may also request Supplemental Declaration Form 3299A for high-value items.

Detailed valued inventory in English (your mover's packing list usually serves).
Copy of passport and US visa or green card / I-94 record.
Bill of lading or air waybill from the carrier.
Power of attorney for your US customs broker.
Proof of US residence (lease, deed or utility bill if available).

Restricted, prohibited and regulated items

Some categories require additional permits, are restricted by quantity, or are outright prohibited. Confirm current rules with CBP, the FDA, the USDA/APHIS and the ATF before shipping anything sensitive:

Firearms, ammunition and certain knives — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rules apply.
Food, plants, seeds, soil and wood items — USDA / APHIS biosecurity controls.
Alcohol — quantities beyond personal allowances are subject to federal and state controls; some states prohibit private import.
Medications — FDA rules; only personal-use quantities of prescribed medication, with documentation.
Cultural property, ivory, certain animal products — CITES and other restrictions.
Vehicles — must meet EPA and DOT/NHTSA standards; many foreign-spec vehicles are not admissible.

How the door-to-door process actually works

Most household shipments to the USA arrive by ocean container into a major coastal port and are then trucked inland to the residence. From origin pickup to US delivery, allow roughly 4–8 weeks for sea freight depending on the lane, sailing frequency and CBP clearance speed. Air freight is much faster — typically 5–10 days door-to-door — but only economical for small or urgent consignments.

A standard door-to-door scope includes export packing at origin, ocean or air freight, US customs clearance via a licensed broker filing Form 3299, destination charges (THC, ISF, exam fees if applicable) and final delivery with basic furniture re-assembly. Costs vary widely with shipment volume, origin, service scope and insurance — ask for a written quote that breaks out destination charges separately.

How to plan customs paperwork in advance

For the United States, the practical sequence below works well: personal-effects clearance hinges on paperwork prepared weeks before the container lands. Missing or late documents are the most common reason shipments sit in bond accruing storage. Build the document timeline backwards from the expected port arrival date, and confirm any consular steps (e.g. Menaje de Casa, Bagagem, ToR1) before departure.

Build a packing list with valuations early — customs will reference it.
Confirm consular or pre-arrival registrations before you leave the origin country.
Engage a licensed customs broker on the destination side; do not rely on the carrier alone.

Plan a household move to the USA

Tell us your origin country, US destination and timeline — a coordinator will explain Form 3299 and quote your shipment.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I pay duty on my used household goods entering the USA?

If you qualify as a returning US resident or new immigrant and the goods are used personal effects owned abroad, they are generally admitted duty-free under Form 3299. New goods, commercial quantities or certain regulated items can attract duty or require permits.

Do I need to be in the USA when my shipment arrives?

You generally need to have entered the USA on the qualifying visa/status before unaccompanied effects clear, but you do not have to be physically present at the port. Your customs broker handles clearance using Form 3299 with your power of attorney.

Can I ship alcohol, food or my car with my household goods?

Alcohol, food, plants and vehicles all have separate rules administered by CBP, FDA, USDA/APHIS, EPA and DOT. Some are restricted; some are prohibited; some require additional permits. Confirm with your broker before packing — surprises at the port are expensive.

How long will sea freight take?

Realistically 4–8 weeks port-to-door depending on origin, sailing schedule, CBP exam selection and final-mile distance. Lanes from Europe and the Caribbean are typically faster than from Asia or the Middle East.

Do I need a US customs broker?

Yes. Household-goods shipments arriving as freight must be cleared by a licensed US customs broker, who will prepare and file Form 3299, the Importer Security Filing (ISF) and any supplemental documentation. Your moving coordinator typically arranges this within the door-to-door scope.

Related guides

This guide summarises the standard CBP Form 3299 process for planning purposes. Confirm current eligibility, restricted-item rules and required documents with CBP and your licensed US customs broker before shipping.