CBP seizes over $250,000 in undeclared jewelry at Philadelphia airport and moves to revoke Global Entry membership

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized over $250,000 in undeclared jewelry from a Global Entry® member arriving from Amsterdam, Netherlands at Philadelphia International Airport on Oct. 25. CBP also initiated action to revoke the traveler’s Global Entry membership for violating the terms and conditions of the CBP Trusted Traveler Program.

The traveler, a Pennsylvania resident, was referred for a secondary baggage examination after arriving on a flight from Amsterdam. During the inspection, the traveler initially told CBP officers that she had purchased only a few thousand dollars’ worth of souvenirs.

Prior to the traveler’s arrival, CBP officers obtained information indicating the traveler had purchased a Cartier bracelet valued at $183,818 and a Cartier ring valued at $67,811.

CBP officers provided the traveler multiple opportunities to declare the jewelry, but she did not. The traveler declared the items only after officers informed her that they were aware of the purchases. The traveler later admitted she had discarded the jewelry boxes and receipts.

CBP seized the jewelry for failure to declare and for alleged violations of federal customs laws. Travelers returning to the United States must declare all merchandise acquired abroad, including gifts and personal items. Concealing merchandise or failing to declare high-value purchases may result in seizure, penalties, and other enforcement actions.

“Global Entry membership is a privilege for preapproved travelers who demonstrate that they are low risk and comply with U.S. laws and program requirements,” said Elliot N. Ortiz, CBP’s Area Port Director in Philadelphia. “Trusted Traveler Program members are expected to accurately declare their purchases and comply with all customs requirements. When members violate those obligations, CBP may take enforcement action, including revocation of program membership.”

Global Entry is one of CBP’s four Trusted Traveler Programs with millions of members worldwide. Through Global Entry, preapproved, low-risk travelers enjoy expedited clearance when arriving in the United States and access to TSA PreCheck® for eligible domestic flights. Membership is contingent on continued compliance with program requirements and all applicable laws and regulations. CBP may suspend or revoke membership when a participant no longer meets program eligibility requirements or violates the program’s terms and conditions.

Travelers may be eligible for a personal duty exemption for merchandise purchase abroad. In most circumstances, the personal exemption is $800. Travelers may bring back merchandise exceeding the exemption; however, they must declare all purchases, and merchandise exceeding the exemption may be subject to duty. Read more about Customs duty.

CBP encourages travelers to prepare for international travel by reviewing CBP’s  Know Before You Go guidance before departing the United States.

CBP is the nation’s second largest revenue generator behind only the IRS and collected nearly $307 billion in duties, taxes, and fess on merchandise imports during fiscal year 2026.

CBP's Office of Field Operations screens international travelers and cargo at the nation’s ports of entry to facilitate lawful trade and travel while identifying threats to public safety, national security, and the United States economy.

Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on X @DFOBaltimore and CBP’s Office of Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops.