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Personal and returned goods · CBP

CBP Form 3311: Declaration for Free Entry of Returned American Products

CBP Form 3311 is the declaration for U.S. products that come back after export. If the goods were not improved or advanced in value abroad, they can return free of duty.

At a glance

Issued by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Rule
19 CFR 10.1
Tariff provision
HTSUS 9801.00.10
Who signs
The owner, importer, consignee or an agent who knows the facts
Current edition
CBP Form 3311 (07/24)

CBP Form 3311

What is CBP Form 3311?

CBP Form 3311 is the Declaration for Free Entry of Returned American Products. The declarant states that the goods are U.S. products, returned without being advanced in value or improved in condition.

It also states that no drawback was paid on the goods, and gives the U.S. manufacturer and the reason for return.

Typical cases are goods a foreign buyer rejected, unsold goods, and samples or exhibits sent back.

Who and when

Who needs it and when?

  • Anyone who imports U.S.-made goods that come back in the same condition.
  • For a shipment over $2,500, 19 CFR 10.1(a) also calls for a declaration by the foreign shipper. CBP can waive the documents when the U.S. origin is clear (19 CFR 10.1(d)).
  • For goods over $2,500 without the U.S. maker's name and address, CBP can ask for more proof, such as the export invoice (19 CFR 10.1(b)).

Roles

Who signs it and who files it?

  • The owner, importer, consignee or an agent with knowledge of the facts signs.
  • For a corporation, an officer signs. An employee or agent can sign with a power of attorney and a corporate certificate that the person knows the facts.
  • Your broker files the entry and presents the 3311 with it. A CBP officer signs the authorization on the form.

Avoid delays

What mistakes delay it?

  • Goods changed abroad

    Goods repaired, altered or processed abroad do not qualify under 9801.00.10. They enter under HTSUS 9802, with duty on the value of the work (19 CFR 10.8).
  • Drawback claimed on export

    The declaration states that no drawback was paid. Goods exported with drawback cannot use this claim.
  • No proof of U.S. origin

    Keep the U.S. export invoice, the air waybill or bill of lading, and the manufacturer's details.
  • Foreign goods on a 3311

    The 3311 is for U.S. products. Foreign goods that were imported before and come back have their own provision, HTSUS 9801.00.20.

Official source

Where do I get the official form?

CBP's form page says the OMB date printed on this form has expired, but the form is still valid while OMB reviews it.

Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 3311 (07/24). 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 3311?

We check if the goods qualify, collect the proof of U.S. origin, and file the entry with the 3311.

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.

U.S. goods returned Entries for U.S. goods that come back, with the proof CBP asks for.

Request: Help with CBP Form 3311

Quote on request

Do not send an EIN, a Social Security number or a password in this form. We ask for them securely later.

Or call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com.

Questions

What else do people ask about CBP Form 3311?

Is there a value limit for CBP Form 3311?

No. Above $2,500, CBP asks for a foreign shipper's declaration. If the goods are not marked, it can ask for other proof of U.S. origin (19 CFR 10.1).

What if the goods were repaired abroad?

They enter under HTSUS 9802.00.40 or 9802.00.50, with duty on the cost or value of the repair (19 CFR 10.8). Register them before export on CBP Form 4455 when you can.

Who can sign for a company?

An officer, or an employee or agent with a power of attorney and a corporate certificate that the person knows the facts.

Need help with CBP Form 3311?

Tell us what you received or what you plan to import. We reply with the next step and a written quote.

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.