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