| CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND INFORMATION FOR IMPORTS |
>> Documents Required
1.Copy of Passport (some ports require Passports for all family members listed on the 3299)
2.Form CF-3299–Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles, if applicable
3.Copy of Visa (if non-US citizen/permanent resident) / copy of Permanent Resident Card
4.Copy of Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
5.Detailed inventory in English
6.Importers Security Filing (ISF)
7.Power of Attorney
>> Specific Information
1.All shipments are subject to examination at the discretion of Customs officials.
2.Do not indicate “packed by owner” (PBO) or miscellaneous descriptions on the detailed inventory.
3.For duty-free clearance, the household goods must have been used at least 1 year in the foreign household prior to shipment from the origin country.
4.The importer must hold the proper long-term Visa (non-B1 / B2 Visitor’s Visa) to import household goods duty free. The importer can only import personal effects, e.g., clothing, camping gear, toiletries, etc. on a short-term Visitor’s Visa.
5.Customs and other government agencies can require a variety of different types of examinations that result in costs from USD 200-1700 or more on a full container load (FCL) shipment.
6.Most household items used less than 1 year will require duty to be paid. It is important for the importer to list those items in detail on the back side of the Customs Form 3299. The importer should list the item, quantity, what material it is made out of, the value paid for the items in US dollars and the country of origin of the items.
7.To import household effects (furniture, dishes, linens, libraries, artwork and similar household furnishings, etc.) for personal use, the items must have been available for personal use or used in a household where the shipper was a resident for 1 year and is not intended for another person or for sale.
>> RESTRICTED / DUTIABLE ITEMS
1.Plants and seeds (an Import Permit and Plant and Plant Product Declaration Form are required)
2.Soil (an Import Permit is required)
3.Meats and meat byproducts (e.g., bouillon soups)
4.Medications
5.Fruits and vegetables
6.Game and hunting trophies
7.Gold
8.Merchandise from embargoed countries (a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control is required)
9.Certain animal species (contact the destination agent for information)
>> Alcohol
1.The importation of Alcohol is strongly discouraged.
2.The importation of alcohol is governed by both Federal and state laws. In general the Federal Government allows a reasonable amount of alcohol to be imported in a household goods shipment. If Customs feels the amount is excessive they will require the importer to hire a licensed alcohol importer to file a commercial entry.
3.A detailed inventory must be made at the time of packing in order for food and drug filings to be performed and proper duties and taxes to be paid on the shipment.
>> Food Items
1.The importation of food items is strongly discouraged.
2.Food products also require a detailed inventory for food and drug filings and duty payment.
>> Fish / Wildlife
1.Ivory items, skins, feathers and shells are regulated by Fish and Wildlife.
2.Many of these items require special CITES Permits or may be prohibited from being imported.
>> RESTRICTED / DUTIABLE ITEMS
1.Tuna
2.Drug paraphernalia
3.Haitian animal hide drums
4.Cuban cigars
5.Blank tapes and CDs from
6.Absinthe
7.Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using a federally registered trademark
8.Products made from dog and cat fur
9.Flavored cigarettes, including cloves
>> Transport Time
|
Main Cities |
Transit time for sea freight from China |
Transportation time for door to door services from China |
|
New York |
30 days
|
About 45 days |
|
Chicago |
20 days
Port of Entry: Chicago |
About 38days |
|
Los Angeles |
15 days |
About 35 days
|
|
San Francisco |
15days |
About 35days
|
|
Houston |
28days
Port of Entry: Houston |
About 45 days
|