Personal and returned goods · CBP
CBP Form 3299: Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles
CBP Form 3299 is the declaration for household goods and personal effects that travel separately from you. It claims free entry for goods you used abroad and do not plan to sell.
At a glance
- Issued by
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Rules
- 19 CFR 148.6, 148.52, 148.53 and 148.77
- Who signs
- The owner, or an agent with a power of attorney
- Current edition
- CBP Form 3299 (05/24)
CBP Form 3299
What is CBP Form 3299?
CBP Form 3299 is the Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles. It covers household effects, personal effects and tools of trade shipped separately from the owner.
Part II has the statements of eligibility. For example, household effects used abroad for at least one year can enter free under HTSUS 9804.00.05.
Part III is for U.S. government personnel and evacuees who return on official orders (HTSUS 9805.00.50).
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Returning U.S. residents who lived abroad and are moving back.
- Nonresidents who are emigrating to the United States with their household goods.
- U.S. military and government employees returning from an assignment abroad, with a copy of their travel orders.
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The importer signs Part VI. An agent can sign if a power of attorney gives it that authority and it has actual knowledge of the facts (form note).
- The carrier signs Part V, the release to the owner.
- Your broker presents the form to CBP with the bill of lading and the packing list. A CBP officer signs Part VII on release.
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
No packing list
The form asks you to submit a packing list. Make it itemized by box, so CBP can match the boxes to the list.Restricted items not declared
Alcohol, tobacco, firearms, food, plants and wildlife products must be checked in Part IV and listed. They can need permits or duty.Goods for sale mixed in
Goods for sale, for commercial use or for another person are not free under these provisions. Declare them in Part IV.Items used less than a year
Household effects acquired abroad and used less than one year must be declared in Part IV. They can be dutiable.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
CBP also publishes step-by-step instructions for each part of the form.
- Official pageCBP Form 3299 on cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Current formCBP Form 3299 (PDF, cbp.gov) (opens in a new tab)
- Also officialCBP: Instructions for CBP Form 3299 (opens in a new tab)
Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 3299 (05/24), posted May 7, 2024. We link to the official source and do not host copies, because agencies replace forms without notice.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with CBP Form 3299?
We prepare the 3299 with you, check the packing list, and clear the shipment with CBP.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
CBP Form 3299 service We clear household goods and personal effects at all U.S. ports.
Request: Help with CBP Form 3299
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about CBP Form 3299?
Do I pay duty on my household goods?
Not if they qualify. Household effects used abroad for at least one year, and not for sale, can enter free under HTSUS 9804.00.05. Items that do not qualify can be dutiable.
What does unaccompanied mean?
The goods do not travel with you. They arrive separately by sea, air cargo or truck.
Does my car go on the 3299?
A vehicle also needs DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1, even when it enters free.
Can Allied file the 3299 for me?
Yes. We present it with your documents under a power of attorney.
Need help with CBP Form 3299?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.