Welcome.. You obviously havn't read a thing on the forum, because their are hundreds of posts about the U.S and customs.
The U.S doesn't allow any lasers above >5mw. Some websites you would buy from name it as led flashlight, or flashlight torch, to pass through custom's easier. I suggest Lazerer . com, As nobody has reported a missing package on the forum before.
I just bought my first semi powerful laser from a china, i wont be buying anymore.
There are people right here in the buy sell trade forums who do better work, better support, better price i will never buy another laser from anyone else.
To answer your question i live in Cinci and i had no problem, except a long wait.
It depends on the company you buy from. Some companies have had lasers pulled by customs. Most get by unnoticed.
Also remember that customs is involved when you buy a laser from another country. You will have no problem buying a laser here in the US. You will also have no problem buying from reputable members as they are not a company
Aside from green or exotic wavelengths, and the occasional cool looking host... there is absolutely no good reason not to buy right here through the forum imho.
As for customs, generally not an issue. Some companies like wicked for example, are on a watch list, so chance of seizure is greater.
Even so, only a very very small quantity of packages are closely scrutinized, not sure if that's a good thing, but for the laser hobby I suppose it is:undecided: