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07/31/2007 05:17:28 PM · #1 |
I get a newsletter from Authur Morris (author of Birds as Art)and this information was included in it... Sorry if it's been posted before, just thought it might help people prepare for travel. M.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL/US CUSTOMS ADVISORY
On my return from Ecuador on Friday, June 28, 2007, I was pulled out of line at US Customs in Miami and asked if I had “documentation” for my cameras and lenses (which had easily been identified via x-ray). I stated that I did not and was told that my gear would be held in Miami by US customs, that I would need to provide documentation, and that after the documentation was received and verified that my gear would need to be imported by a broker and then be shipped as cargo to Orlando, all at my expense. After about 30 minutes a pleasant woman came by and said that the photography gear would indeed be confiscated and held; she had many forms to fill out. I explained to her that I had always traveled with documentation but that several years ago when I bought the forms to US Customs in Orlando that I was told, “We do not sign or verify those forms anymore. You do not need them anymore. You will not be hassled when you return to the US with your gear.” I have been in and out of the country more than a dozen times since then without any documentation and until Friday, I had never had a problem.
I asked to speak to a supervisor, did so, and explained the above to him in a calm manner. I added that several folks in the group with 500 mm lenses had been on the adjacent line and had breezed through. After listening patiently he asked me, “What do you want?” I said, “I want to get on my flight to Orlando with my cameras and lenses. I will have documentation with me on all future trips.” After about 15 minutes the pleasant woman came back and said that I could go. I returned to the supervisor to thank him and he showed me the proper forms. I had previously listed all of my gear on a single form, Department of Treasury “Certificate of Registration” Customs Form 4455 (020984). He suggested instead that I fill out Customs Form 4457 (060992) listing several items on each form. He continued by saying that once that form had been signed and stamped that it could be used for subsequent trips.
My plan is to fill out a single copy of Customs Form 4457 (060992) for each and every item that I own with a serial number (including my laptop) and then bring all the forms and all the great to the US Customs office at Orlando airport on a day when I am not traveling. I will then bring the forms with me when I travel so that I can avoid being hassled upon my return.
I am not sure of the situation at other US Customs arrival stations (such as Detroit) but it would seem best that each of us travels with the proper documentation whenever traveling abroad.
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07/31/2007 05:31:50 PM · #2 |
| Why would you need documentation to bring camera equipment? Do they think the tiny people inside the camera that draw the pictures are gonna sneak out of the camera body and then go on welfare? |
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07/31/2007 05:40:44 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Atropos:
Why would you need documentation to bring camera equipment? Do they think the tiny people inside the camera that draw the pictures are gonna sneak out of the camera body and then go on welfare? |
Import duties.
It's not at all uncommon for people to buy expensive items like camera equipment or jewelry overseas and attempt to sneak them in without paying the proper duties, by claiming they took it out of the country with them.
Without documentation for such expensive items, Customs really has no way to know the difference.
Edited to add that the increased vigilance could be due to the recent Sigma warehouse burglary.
~Terry
~Terry
Message edited by author 2007-07-31 17:43:03.
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07/31/2007 05:45:14 PM · #4 |
So I need to carry my receipt around with me proving that I purchased my camera and gear in the U.S of A.?
I've traveled in and out of the country many times and never have needed to provide documentation on personal items in my possession.
Thanks for the heads up.
Is this a new policy?
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07/31/2007 05:50:58 PM · #5 |
| With the incredible weakness of the US dollar against so many other currencies, I would be amazed if there's a better deal for camera gear outside the US. When ever my European collegues come over they load up on iPods and cameras because everything is so cheap in the US, to them anyway. |
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07/31/2007 06:54:30 PM · #6 |
Since I'm going to Italy in about a month, I'd love to know a little more about this....
What kind of documentation are they talking about? Warranties? Some of my gear was bought on eBay...what on earth would I show in this case?
Eeek! *trying not to freak out* |
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07/31/2007 06:59:30 PM · #7 |
Customs form 4457, as per the original post.
I think you take the form and the items to a customs office before you leave. They inventory them, sign and stamp the form, and return it to you. Upon return, that form is proof that you had the items when you left the country.
I could be wrong, so your best bet is to call your local Customs office (see the blue pages of your phone book for the number) and ask.
~Terry
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07/31/2007 07:17:39 PM · #8 |
| Don't forget to put the new cover sheet on your TPS Reports too... |
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07/31/2007 07:27:33 PM · #9 |
Canadians may also have this problem. I'm traveling to Europe in September, and have discovered that I need Form Y38, Identification of
Articles for Temporary Exportation. It's a card you can keep in your wallet listing all valuable items having a serial number (you can get a lovely sticker for your non-serial-number valuables). Details here. |
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07/31/2007 07:35:18 PM · #10 |
In Canada we use to have to have a customs form to travel with expensive equipment such as cameras. We use to have to take all our gear down to a local customs office, show it to them to get the form.
They stopped doing this about ten years ago. (I still have some of those little green cards) I was told to carry some proof of ownership with me when traveling. Receipts work best, but a copy of my homeowners insurance with all the equipment listed will also work (Works in Canada not sure about USA)
Bad enough to have to worry about pickpockets and other theives when traveling, but now we have to worry about customs getting our equipment. |
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07/31/2007 07:44:47 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Edited to add that the increased vigilance could be due to the recent Sigma warehouse burglary.
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Good Lord! Did you look at that list of stolen serial numbers? How long were the theives there and how big was the truck that they backed up to the loading dock?
They need a new security crew.
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07/31/2007 08:09:23 PM · #12 |
Boy am I glad I read this post. I'm planning to go to Argentina for a month and would not want to have to run into this problem.
Saker, sorry you had to go through this but thanks for the post and heads up. This post has definitely helped me out! |
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07/31/2007 09:29:25 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by Baxter:
In Canada we use to have to have a customs form to travel with expensive equipment such as cameras. We use to have to take all our gear down to a local customs office, show it to them to get the form.
They stopped doing this about ten years ago. ( |
They still issue that card... I got one this summer and intend to get another this weekend after I pick up my new BIGMA.
Ray |
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07/31/2007 09:41:01 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
[quote=Atropos]
Edited to add that the increased vigilance could be due to the recent Sigma warehouse burglary.
~Terry
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Lolz a good majority of the items are Nikon mount, sweeeeeeeeet! |
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08/01/2007 12:05:27 AM · #15 |
| Phatphoto, I didn't go through it ... Arthur Morris who is a well known photographer did. I got the info in a newsletter that I suscribe to and was glad I did as I am travelling to Canada in a few weeks to see my family and I don't want to run into any glitches. Thoughtthis mught be good info for everyone. |
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08/01/2007 12:43:12 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by ClubJuggle:
Originally posted by Atropos:
Why would you need documentation to bring camera equipment? Do they think the tiny people inside the camera that draw the pictures are gonna sneak out of the camera body and then go on welfare? |
Import duties.
It's not at all uncommon for people to buy expensive items like camera equipment or jewelry overseas and attempt to sneak them in without paying the proper duties, by claiming they took it out of the country with them.
Without documentation for such expensive items, Customs really has no way to know the difference.
Edited to add that the increased vigilance could be due to the recent Sigma warehouse burglary.
~Terry
~Terry |
Ecuador's a real hub for cheap photo equipment. (very much tongue in cheek) sheesh |
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08/01/2007 12:52:37 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by Saker:
Phatphoto, I didn't go through it ... Arthur Morris who is a well known photographer did. I got the info in a newsletter that I suscribe to and was glad I did as I am travelling to Canada in a few weeks to see my family and I don't want to run into any glitches. Thoughtthis mught be good info for everyone. |
Very interesting. I just traveled from the states to Vancouver and back with my backpack full of gear and wasn't hassled. Seems like the typical haphazard application of some lame ass regulation. Still, I would have been beyond livid if they'd have taken everything so I guess I'm lucky (to live in a free nation where I have to worry about what I take with me when exercising my right to travel freely...).
Think I'll shoot a note off to my congressman and ask that the rule be changed. I'll post here when he replies. |
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08/01/2007 01:12:32 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
Since I'm going to Italy in about a month, I'd love to know a little more about this....
What kind of documentation are they talking about? Warranties? Some of my gear was bought on eBay...what on earth would I show in this case?
Eeek! *trying not to freak out* |
I went to Italy via Paris earlier this spring and caried a Nikon D200, two lenses and a variety of smaller gear. No problems. My guess is that unless your carrying all your gear and or a very large expensive long lens your safe. But all in all it is probably better to be safe than sorry and fill out the form prior to your trip.
Message edited by author 2007-08-01 01:12:51.
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08/01/2007 05:12:06 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by routerguy666:
I'm lucky (to live in a free nation where I have to worry about what I take with me when exercising my right to travel freely...).
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Many of your freedoms have been lessened by the Patriot Act. I wouldn't be surprised to see check stations at state borders soon where they'll be asking for you papers and probably travel permission slips.
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08/01/2007 05:23:24 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by fir3bird:
Many of your freedoms have been lessened by the Patriot Act. I wouldn't be surprised to see check stations at state borders soon where they'll be asking for you papers and probably travel permission slips. |
No doubt it's coming. But just think how much safer we'll all be with our lords and masters watching over us.
Heil Bush!
:(
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08/01/2007 06:51:26 AM · #21 |
This is not a political thread. If you guys want to start one take it to the Rant folder, not here.
Originally posted by Mick:
Heil Bush! |
Since  Mick has so conveniently invoked Godwin's Law for us, let's please get back to the original topic of discussion.
~Terry
Message edited by author 2007-08-01 06:51:39.
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