On Apr 19, 2005, at 11:30 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I'll be unsubing some time Wednesday morning, as we are off to Vegas, for the World Cup
Jumping and Dressage shaow at the Thomas and Mack Centre.
One question. I am planning to bring a small bag,just the istD with the A28, A50, M135 and
M150 and a handheld meter and a few cards.
Would it be wize to have a list of equipment and S/N's to give to the US customs people at
Pearson Airport in Toronto,or will they just be satisfied to look at the gear an make sure it is
all camera equipment.
This is the first time i have flown be it to the US or else were since 1996, thus the
question.
I'd suggest browsing the US Customs and Border Protection, http://www.cbp.gov/ website. There is a form for US citizens to register goods being transported across the borders which you already own... I don't know how this works for citizens of other countries, but there's probably information there germaine to your needs.
FAQ at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/us_citizens/faqs.xml
One excerpt:
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Q:
How Can I Prove I Didn't Buy My Watch/Camera During My Trip Outside the United States?
A:
Foreign-made personal articles taken abroad are subject to duty each time they are brought back into the United States unless you have acceptable proof of prior possession. Documents which fully describe the article, such as a bill of sale, insurance policy, jeweler's appraisal, or receipt for purchase, may be considered reasonable proof of prior possession.
Items such as watches, cameras, compact disc players, or other articles which may be readily identified by a permanently affixed serial number or marking, may be taken to the CBP office nearest you and registered before your departure. The Certificate of Registration (CBPF 4457) that you will be given will expedite the free entry of these items when you return. Keep the certificate as it is valid for as long as you own the article(s).
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That said, I've traveled in and out of the US extensively for 20 some years carrying all manner of photo and electronic equipment, and never been held hostage by a US Customs official for any of it.
Godfrey
