FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - How to take a dining chair to Atlanta?

Nov 26, 2008 | 4:38 pm

#29

Queen438

Join Date: May 2008

Location: YYZ

Programs: AC E, PC Plat Amb

Posts: 329

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogtowner

UPDATE: Wed at 1.00pm

By the time I got to Baggage Reclaim at ATL the chair was waiting for me. No damage at all.

Put it in the back of a cab and drove to client site. Client was impressed with the chair and promised a decision by Monday or Tuesday. They also asked us to quote on some tables, which if we got them would double the order size.

So, all in all, worth the hassle. If I have to do this again then I don't know if getting a different US Customs officer would alter the outcome.

You got REALLY REALLY lucky this time with the U.S. Customs officer. Commercial goods are NOT allowed to be brought into U.S. unless you use a commercial courier. The only time you can bring it with you is if you pre-clear and file a status with U.S. Customs so you effectively become a commercial courier for your own commercial goods. You then have to submit electronically your documents prior to entry. I think this time they let you through because it is only ONE chair and clearly not for sale.

You got bad advice from your customs broker but I think they are assuming you can claim it as personal item.

Someone I know didn't know and brought samples with him to a show in U.S. from YYZ. It was in a couple of suitcases and he did report them to the U.S. Customs officer. Not only was he refused entry and miss his show entirely after spending thousands on it, he was black listed. Ever since then every time he crosses border whether by air or driving they always pull him aside and search him thoroughly. To be cautious in the future, you should not travel with commercial goods of any kind into U.S. because you might be listed now.

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