Moving To The USA
Moving To The USA.
Moving to the USA
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
-Passport (copy) showing personal data and photo page
-Visa (copy)
-customs Form 3299 "Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles"
-Supplement Declaration for Unaccompanied Personal and Household Effects
-Power of Attorney Form authorizing Destination Agent to act on Customer's behalf in liaisons with U.S. Customs
-Inventory in English (detailed, PBO "packed by owner" and misc. "miscellaneous" not acceptable)
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
-Shipment must clear at first port of arrival unless arrangements have been made to move shipment in-bound to a port of entry
-Used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free:
◦If items purchased abroad are not for resale or for use by another person, and have been in owner's possession for at least one year
◦Professional equipment which was owned and used abroad is also generally duty-free
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
-New items (less than one year old), inheritance items, and gifts are dutiable
-Sales receipts may be required on new items
-Antiques (Certificate of Authenticity is required)
-Medicine
◦must be properly identified
◦must not exceed normal quantities required by an individual with a health problem
◦must have either a prescription or written statement from doctor stating that the medicine is required for physical well-being
-Biological materials of public health or of veterinary importance require an Import Permit
-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
◦Strongly recommend not shipping with household goods
◦FEDERAL, STATE and LOCAL REGULATIONS, DUTIES and TAXES apply
◦Certain ports are "Dry Ports" and alcohol cannot be imported at that location; alcohol is not permitted in those states
◦All cartons containing alcoholic beverages should be loaded together, clearly marked on the inventory and be easily accessible for inspection
◦Customer must provide name, quantity, size of bottle, alcohol content , value per bottle, and date purchased
- RESTRICTED ITEMS IN SHIPMENT WILL CAUSE DELAYS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES WHICH WILL BE BILLED TO CUSTOMER'S ACCOUNT.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
-Liquor filled candy
-Lottery tickets
-Narcotics and dangerous drugs (violation will result in severe penalties)
-Obscene or pornographic material
-Unlawful or treasonable material
-Hazardous articles (e.g. fireworks, combustible, corrosive, flammable or explosive items and toxic or poisonous substances)
-Switch blade knives
-Pirated books or articles (e.g. cassettes and computer programs) will be confiscated and destroyed
-Foodstuff is strictly controlled and subject to inspection and confiscation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
-Firearms and ammunition (automatic and heavy military weapons are strictly prohibited)
◦Subject to many restrictions
◦Import Permit obtainable and issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF)
◦Proof of ownership
◦Registration, certificates and licenses required and vary according to the type of firearm, the immigration status of the owner, the destination and port of entry
◦If weapon was originally purchased or owned by Customer in the U.S. , proof of sale and date of sale required
◦Animals or plants (e.g. furs, skins, ivory tusks, tortoise shells, wood carvings, etc.) subject to the U.S. Endangered Species Act
MOTOR VEHICLES
-Automobiles are subject to import duties and taxes
-Autos previously exported from the U.S. may be imported duty-free provided the customer can supply the export Ocean Bill of Lading and can prove that no modifications have been made to the auto since exporting from the U.S.
-All automobiles imported must meet both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements--If required conversions are not performed in the country of origin, Customer must post a sizable bond (approximately 50% of the value of the auto) in order to have the necessary conversions performed in the U.S.
-Information on emission standards can be obtained from the EPA
-All costs for exam, testing or modifications of auto are payable by the Customer
-Make, model and year of auto must be provided
-Documents required:
◦EPA Form 3520-1
◦Purchase Invoice
◦Title
◦Copy of Drivers License (if applicable)
PETS
-There are strict controls, restrictions, and prohibitions on the importation of animals, which is regulated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and U.S. Public Health Service
-Import regulations for pets may include the following, depending on the country of origin:
◦Original Certificate of rabies vaccination showing proof that the vaccination was administered more than 30 days prior to the flight, but not more than 180 days
◦Health Certificate from a veterinarian must be issued within 15 to 10 days prior to animals departure
◦Dogs and cats are not normally quarantined, but birds require 30 days quarantine and an Import Permit