Please reference our publication Know Before You Go for duty exemptions. The duty-free exemption, also called the personal exemption, is the total value of merchandise you may bring back to the United States without having to pay duty. may bring back more than your exemption, but you will have to pay duty on it. In most cases, the personal exemption is $800, but there are some exceptions to. this rule, which are explained below. Exemptions. Depending on the countries you have visited, your personal exemption will be $200, $800, or $1,600.