US Customs and importing valuable antiques?

Question

My mother is currently in Germany where my grandmother recently passed away. My mom inherited a number of antiques, including some very valuable books.

She asked me to find out if she can just bring them over on her plane ride back or if customs will give her a hard time. We're not citizens (have greencards) if that make a difference.

The customs website is a mess and I don't know where to begin with this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Foreign nationals that are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”, INS Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year),

What You Must Declare :

Items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States.

Items you received as gifts, such as wedding or birthday presents.

# Items you inherited.#

Depending on the countries you have visited, your personal exemption will be $400, $600, or $1,200. (The differences are explained in the following section.)

For example, a #  returning resident # is eligible for the $400 exemption;

used books ,i do not see how you could place a price a value on an used book? so i imagine , even if they are valuable to you ? it would not cause you a problem.

just make an estimated amount for the books on you declarations sheet ,

tell your mother to make sure to have locks on her suitcase ,so that the border can open them:

go to this page to see the locks :

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/a...

make a list of all items and to keep it with her .

is she has valuable jewelry? please go to this page to read about it :

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/a...

about special items ?

go to this page to read all the listings :

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/a...

if you have anymore questions ? do come back .