Travel Tips: Use Customs Documents
In the past six weeks we have traveled to the Canary Islands, Boston, New Jersey, Toronto, Welland, Richmond, and Savannah-mostly with lots of dive and video gear.
Sometimes The U.S. Customs office can be your best friend:
When you leave the country with expensive cameras, rebreathers and other equipment, you should theoretically consider registering that equipment with the Customs and Border Control office near your departure airport. Customs registration only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of hassles at the airport on return. In order to register your gear you must make an itemized spreadsheet of the equipment in each individual case. This itemized list should include a description, value, serial number, country of manufacture and weight of object. The total weight of each case should also be listed. Take this list and the packed bags to the Customs and Border Control office, which is usually located close to the International Airport. They will verify one or two items in your case and stamp the list with all sorts of official looking stamps.
If you get accused of importation upon arrival, show the customs officers the list and tell them that this proves that you are obliged to return all gear to your home country. Do not unnecessarily confess and pull out that list unless needed. Under no circumstances should you speak the local language. Just smile and be as polite and patient as possible.
On your return to the US, if you are separated for additional screening, bring out the list to prove that the gear originated in your home country.
If you have lost baggage, the list also serves as crucial proof of contents and their value.
Customs registration is free of charge. Official carnets can also be obtained for more regular travelers. These registrations last for a period of one year on listed equipment, but they come with a hefty charge based on the value of goods.
--Jill Heinerth
More great tips at www.RebreatherPro.com
In the past six weeks we have traveled to the Canary Islands, Boston, New Jersey, Toronto, Welland, Richmond, and Savannah-mostly with lots of dive and video gear.
Sometimes The U.S. Customs office can be your best friend:
When you leave the country with expensive cameras, rebreathers and other equipment, you should theoretically consider registering that equipment with the Customs and Border Control office near your departure airport. Customs registration only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of hassles at the airport on return. In order to register your gear you must make an itemized spreadsheet of the equipment in each individual case. This itemized list should include a description, value, serial number, country of manufacture and weight of object. The total weight of each case should also be listed. Take this list and the packed bags to the Customs and Border Control office, which is usually located close to the International Airport. They will verify one or two items in your case and stamp the list with all sorts of official looking stamps.
If you get accused of importation upon arrival, show the customs officers the list and tell them that this proves that you are obliged to return all gear to your home country. Do not unnecessarily confess and pull out that list unless needed. Under no circumstances should you speak the local language. Just smile and be as polite and patient as possible.
On your return to the US, if you are separated for additional screening, bring out the list to prove that the gear originated in your home country.
If you have lost baggage, the list also serves as crucial proof of contents and their value.
Customs registration is free of charge. Official carnets can also be obtained for more regular travelers. These registrations last for a period of one year on listed equipment, but they come with a hefty charge based on the value of goods.
--Jill Heinerth
More great tips at www.RebreatherPro.com