What does the USA Customs and Border Protection consider a weapon?
A lot of the time, when I enter USA by car from Canada, I am asked if I have any weapons.
Sometimes I have a hatchet or a 5" blade for when I go camping.
Should I answer Yes or No to the question "Do you have any weapons?" at the USA border crossing?
I don't think this question is similar to questions about entering other countries, such as UK with ice axes, as they are different countries with different policies.
Best Answer
If you are ever in doubt that you might have something that you need to declare, DECLARE, and let the Border Agents sort out what is or is not allowed.
You might get patted down a little more, but if you don't declare, and they find something that is a weapon, you could be in serious trouble (charges and/or fines).
Just like @KateGregory said, if they verbally ask you something, just say "I have a hatchet in my camping supplies, does that count?" in a controlled tone of voice. CBP does not like it if they believe a person is being rude/sarcastic.
If you have a written declaration, check "yes" and let them sort it out. You cannot get in trouble for over-declaring
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Do CBP carry guns?
Authorized Officers/Agents are required to carry a CBP handgun during duty hours while performing uniformed law enforcement duties, except when operational circumstances preclude the carriage of a firearm.What guns do US customs carry?
40 caliber Heckler and Koch P2000. But in April 2019, the CBP announced that it had adopted the 9x19mm Glock 47 and Glock 19 as the new standard issue sidearms of CBP officers nationwide. The Glock 26 is also being bought as part of the contract for concealed use.Can U.S. Customs and Border Protection pull you over?
Border Patrol should not cause physical damage to private property. Border Patrol \u201croving patrols\u201d cannot pull over vehicles to question occupants about their immigration status unless agents have a \u201creasonable suspicion\u201d of an immigration violation or crime. Reasonable suspicion is more than just a \u201chunch.\u201dWhat items are not allowed in US customs?
Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.- Absinthe (Alcohol) ...
- Alcoholic Beverages. ...
- Automobiles. ...
- Biologicals. ...
- Ceramic Tableware. ...
- Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property.
What Chemists Do-US Customs and Border Protection-Part 1
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Answer 2
To be clear, your hatchet is not a weapon. It could be used to inflict harm, but it is not designed as, nor do you intend to use it as, a weapon.
Therefore, answer the question properly. Answer "no" but mention that you do have items that could be used as a weapon, such as your hatchet.
Officer: Do you have a weapon?
?
ScottF: No, but I do have a hatchet for my camping trip.
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