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Travelers and private importers get duty-free allowances that are separate from commercial de minimis. Know your country's limits before bringing goods across the border.
A traveler allowance applies when you physically carry goods across a border. A postal or courier de minimis applies to goods shipped to you. They are different regimes with different limits, so do not assume one covers the other.
| Region | Personal duty-free allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | About 800 USD for returning residents | Up to 100 USD in gifts may qualify separately; alcohol and tobacco have their own quantities |
| European Union | 430 EUR by air or sea, 300 EUR by land | Up to 150 EUR for small consignments; tobacco and alcohol have separate limits |
| United Kingdom | About 390 GBP | Small gifts up to 15 GBP may be separate; alcohol and tobacco have their own quantities |
| Australia | About 900 AUD for adults | Includes a limited tobacco and alcohol allowance within the threshold |
| Canada | 200 CAD after 24 hours, 800 CAD after 48 hours | Lower or no allowance for very short trips |
Allowances generally apply to your own used personal effects, gifts, and new goods you bring in for personal use. Goods intended for resale or above the allowance are dutiable.
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco are usually governed by separate quantity limits and are dutiable or taxed above those limits, even when the overall value stays within the general allowance.
About 800 USD for returning residents, with a separate small gift allowance.
430 EUR for air or sea travelers and 300 EUR for land travelers, with a 150 EUR limit for small consignments.
Usually no. Online and postal shipments fall under the commercial de minimis rules, not the traveler allowance.
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