I recently returned to the United States after a month in Japan and brought back about $4,000 worth of souvenirs and personal items. None of the individual items were very expensive, with the highest around $230, but the total added up from many small purchases. I declared everything on arrival.
At Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, customs officers were checking anyone who exceeded the $800 duty-free allowance. The officer I spoke with seemed unhappy about how much I brought and made several comments suggesting I should not do this again, implying I had gone over some kind of limit.
I explained that I had declared everything and was willing to pay any required taxes. After reviewing my receipts and breakdown, they allowed me to leave with only a verbal warning, noting that I had been honest and organized.
Now I am confused because my understanding was that bringing goods over $800 is allowed as long as they are declared and duties are paid. I did not receive any formal warning, so I assume everything is fine, but I am unsure if rules have changed or if this was just the officer’s personal judgment.
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