Bringing cheap goods from China into USA

[peterish]

So here I am at the end of a 2 month stay in China, ready to return home to the U.S. with loads of fake Nike, Puma, and Lacoste merchandise that I've purchased as gifts for friends. I've heard different people say different things about how strict U.S. customs is with this kind of stuff; so my question is, how likely is it that I will run into trouble while entering with all that stuff? Also, what is their policy regarding bringing in bottled liquor?

[Ji@nBing]

How much stuff are we talking here? I go to China a few times a year and have never had a problem bringing back a few things. I think you are allowed a certain amount of goods (in dollar value) as gifts that you don't have to declare. If you are over that, you have to declare it and pay taxes/duty. Liquor you are supposed to declare and pay duty on. I've never done that though and never got caught ;)

Keep in mind I'm in Canada though, and it might be more strict/different rules in the US. I would contact your closest embassy and talk to them before you leave. See what exactly you are allowed. I've found the Canadian embassy/consulate to be very helpful when I'm over there, and I'm sure it's the same with the US one.

Just out of curiosity, where are you in China?

[peterish]

I'll have 4 pairs of sneakers, 3 shirts, a few purses, and 4 bottles of chinese made liquor, all bought here in Xian :D

[primexx]

you could only bring one bottle.

the other stuff you most likely won't get into any trouble with.

and of course, as long as they don't find out, you're fine with bringing anything you want.

[peterish]

cool,

when you say one bottle, do u mean 1 bottle duty free, andany more than t hat will be charged?

[primexx]

i think so, check your customs info

[PermaSt0ne]

over $2k is regulated by customs and the liquor, depending on what type, might be illegal to bring into the US

at least that's what it was when i traveled outside US a few years ago

[rmorris003]

ya how about going to the us customs website and search there

[walkie talkie]

just don't try to take any terra-cotta warriors home 'cuz it's hard to cover