From Arthur Morris' newsletter....world famous photographer

BIRDS AS ART NOTES

July 31, 2007

Visit: www.birdsasart.com

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.

ps: the Galapagos trip report will be featured in the next Bulletin which will be sent before I head to Alaska and New York next Monday.

Interesting ...

I was about to start a thread asking about lense prices in Hong Kong. The above suggests going abroad and returning with new lenses could be problematic -- am I reading this right?

PS: Anyone know the price of Nikkor 12-24MM or 10.5MM in HKG? ;)

Thank you for posting this. Informative and scary. Fortunately he was able to talk his way out of having his equipment seized.

I've been told the same thing--that it doesn't matter anymore. That was years ago, I haven't carried it recently.

Interesting ...

I was about to start a thread asking about lense prices in Hong Kong. The above suggests going abroad and returning with new lenses could be problematic -- am I reading this right?

PS: Anyone know the price of Nikkor 12-24MM or 10.5MM in HKG? ;)

Coming back from BKK couple of years ago through NRT to HNL and continuing on to Florida later.

Bought some art work and gifts, and after tallying it up it was obvious that the lens I bought would take me way over the customs limit. The lens was already used by me in Thailand and it was part of my equipment bag.

For some reason I got send in for secondary in HNL. The nice lady agent was going through my luggage and found the receipt for the lens. She asked and at that point I basically told her the truth and waited for the big hammer to come down.

Other than the hassle and re-packing my STUFFED luggage, it wasn't a problem. She let me go without charging any duty....:D

Just one story amongst many, I'm sure, and each one has a different ending, but after couple of other interactions with customs, I realized that the best policy is to tell the truth BEFORE. Never got charged and always a very polite treatment, except....

Coming in from Japan through DFW. To this day I really don't know why I was singled out for secondary by the form collecting Customs agent. She asked me only 1 question, how long was my stay? After replying that I was there for 5 nights she directed me to a room for secondary. The agent that took over, and after asking just a couple of more questions told me there was NO REASON why I should have wasted 1 hour, waiting for my turn to talk to him. He said that she should have asked me at least the minimum few questions before wasting mine and his time. He never looked AT my luggage, let alone, inside it. I only declared about $200 worth of stuff and that was totally true (look above :D). I learned my lesson.

Just some road warrior stories. YMMV.

BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #238




Visit www.birdsasart.com


MORE ON US CUSTOMS AND PHOTO GEAR...

Many folks wrote concerning the related info in the last BAA Notes. Thanks to the many who sent links to form 4577 (http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/forms/4457.ctt/cbp_4457.pdf). Jim Caldwell did some additional detective work and sent me the following via e-mail:

This is the update on what I found after calling the customs office this morning. I spoke to the office at the St. Petersburg airport (St. Petersburg, Fl). I described your situation and explained I was heading to Ecuador in 10 days and was concerned as I would be traveling with approximately $15,000 worth of photographic equipment. The agent confirmed that I should fill out a 4577 form for each piece of equipment and take it and the equipment to one of the customs offices and have an officer sign it. I explained that I was not able to get to one of their offices before I left since they are only open Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00. (Note; Customs and Border Patrol Offices in major international airports are open 24-7.) I asked what other forms of proof would be acceptable. She indicated that I should have a sales receipt for each item that includes the serial number. I explained that some of the equipment was purchased from individuals and that I did not have a receipt; I asked if my insurance rider would suffice since it lists each piece of equipment along with value and serial number and is on a State Farm letterhead. She explained that accepting anything other than Form 4577 form is entirely up to each agent.

The following paragraph, however, is from the government website:

"If your laptop computer was made in Japan—for instance—you might have to pay duty on it each time you brought it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals—are acceptable forms of proof." (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/register_items.xml).

Another page on the site indicates that travelers have a right to speak to a supervisor.

Unfortunately, even though the government's own website indicates they will accept receipts or insurance documents, it may be up to the individual agent that you encounter. (Note: it would be nice if you could believe what they state on the web site. It would be a good idea to print the relevant pages and carry them with you also…)

Thanks again for the advisory!!! Jim Caldwell

More: the CBP web site (http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/travelers_checklist.xml) states that receipts or registration paperwork (CBP Form 4457) for any new electronics, such as cameras or laptops are needed, but are only suggested if traveling with recently purchased goods. Not necessary for goods more than 6 months old…

I can't speak for the US specifically but I always just declare anything over the limits when I enter the UK these days. It takes away the reason for the customs officer to be suspicious if you are stopped while chancing it plus, I think it reduces the risk of them being suspicious of those items I already owned when I left the country.

Basically, in the current climate, I choose to avoid behaving in a manner that might draw the wrath of those who could quite happily make life inconvenient.

Thanks mikey1003. Excellent site! I subscribed to their newsletter.

Thanks mikey1003. Excellent site! I subscribed to their newsletter.

YW, I jsut wish that I could the time and MONEY to do one of his working seminars.

BTW, I met him several years ago...They tried to make him check his gazillion dollars of Canon gear before boarding a Barbie Jet going to DAY. He kinda went nuts...But he kept his gear:)

Interesting ...

I was about to start a thread asking about lense prices in Hong Kong. The above suggests going abroad and returning with new lenses could be problematic -- am I reading this right?

PS: Anyone know the price of Nikkor 12-24MM or 10.5MM in HKG? ;)

Was there in early june. Don't recall the exact price but I DO remember doing the conversion in my head, checking B&H's site on my phone, and the starting price was HIGHER in HKG at various places I visited (computer mall, a few other shops, NONE on Nathan Road... I know better :D). I haggled a bit but never got anywhere worth buying there vs. ordering in the US.

I've been told the same thing--that it doesn't matter anymore. That was years ago, I haven't carried it recently.

I've never had one and when I inquired was told I didn't need to worry about it. Am I alone in thinking that the event described is an outlier and is not the norm?

Interesting ...

I was about to start a thread asking about lense prices in Hong Kong. The above suggests going abroad and returning with new lenses could be problematic -- am I reading this right?

PS: Anyone know the price of Nikkor 12-24MM or 10.5MM in HKG? ;)

Be aware that Nikon USA will not repair, either under warranty or for a fee, any non-Nikon USA gear [all Nikon USA lenses have a 'U.S.' that precedes their serial number so it is very easy to tell] unless you can produce a receipt from an authorized non-USA dealer with the exact serial number of the lens in questions on it.

Also, using an independent repair shop is no longer an option with most newer equipment as Nikon no longer sells most newer parts and tools to outside shops.

Ken wrote with a great link and a great suggestion:

You can find a list of the 300-odd Customs offices here: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/ports/. Folks should probably look for offices at small airports and ports rather than deal with the office at, say, JFK on a busy day."

The offices are listed separately by state making it easy to find a local office. In addition there is lots of related info including phone numbers and customer service contact info. Thanks Ken!

Be aware that Nikon USA will not repair, either under warranty or for a fee, any non-Nikon USA gear [all Nikon USA lenses have a 'U.S.' that precedes their serial number so it is very easy to tell] unless you can produce a receipt from an authorized non-USA dealer with the exact serial number of the lens in questions on it.

Also, using an independent repair shop is no longer an option with most newer equipment as Nikon no longer sells most newer parts and tools to outside shops.

For those who have gray market gear (or stuff bought overseas), you might want to consider Authorized Photo (www.authorizedphoto.com). They used to be Nikon's Midwest repair shop and seem to have a good reputation. I haven't used them yet but have only heard good things.

Two things:

1. Why worry about sales receipts or insurance policies? Just fill out a 4457! The point is to proove you had the merchandise PRIOR to departing the US.

2. You don't need a separate 4457 for each item. Write in as many as you can fit in the space provided.


BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #238

Visit www.birdsasart.com


MORE ON US CUSTOMS AND PHOTO GEAR...

Many folks wrote concerning the related info in the last BAA Notes. Thanks to the many who sent links to form 4577 (http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/forms/4457.ctt/cbp_4457.pdf). Jim Caldwell did some additional detective work and sent me the following via e-mail:

This is the update on what I found after calling the customs office this morning. I spoke to the office at the St. Petersburg airport (St. Petersburg, Fl). I described your situation and explained I was heading to Ecuador in 10 days and was concerned as I would be traveling with approximately $15,000 worth of photographic equipment. The agent confirmed that I should fill out a 4577 form for each piece of equipment and take it and the equipment to one of the customs offices and have an officer sign it. I explained that I was not able to get to one of their offices before I left since they are only open Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00. (Note; Customs and Border Patrol Offices in major international airports are open 24-7.) I asked what other forms of proof would be acceptable. She indicated that I should have a sales receipt for each item that includes the serial number. I explained that some of the equipment was purchased from individuals and that I did not have a receipt; I asked if my insurance rider would suffice since it lists each piece of equipment along with value and serial number and is on a State Farm letterhead. She explained that accepting anything other than Form 4577 form is entirely up to each agent.

The following paragraph, however, is from the government website:

"If your laptop computer was made in Japan—for instance—you might have to pay duty on it each time you brought it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item—such as sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals—are acceptable forms of proof." (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/register_items.xml).

Another page on the site indicates that travelers have a right to speak to a supervisor.

Unfortunately, even though the government's own website indicates they will accept receipts or insurance documents, it may be up to the individual agent that you encounter. (Note: it would be nice if you could believe what they state on the web site. It would be a good idea to print the relevant pages and carry them with you also…)

Thanks again for the advisory!!! Jim Caldwell

More: the CBP web site (http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/travelers_checklist.xml) states that receipts or registration paperwork (CBP Form 4457) for any new electronics, such as cameras or laptops are needed, but are only suggested if traveling with recently purchased goods. Not necessary for goods more than 6 months old…

BTW, I met him several years ago...They tried to make him check his gazillion dollars of Canon gear before boarding a Barbie Jet going to DAY. He kinda went nuts...But he kept his gear:)

:D I just corresponded with him over an upcoming flight to the Galapagos where the carryon limit is (supposedly) 10 lbs. He took 40 + 20 lbs of carryon.

I think I'll just take my 16 + 8 lbs and be prepared to make a fuss. :p