Moving to the USA | Furniture Shipping | Ship Cargo Container from USA

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Moving to USA

Shipping household Goods into the USA involves a lot of time and effort. With Universal Relocations, certified international moving company, you can certainly ease the worry about how you need to tackle this difficulty of moving to the USA and save your energy and effort required. Universal Relocations is providing the best services for shipping to USA from. We provide Door to Door including Origin Services, Ocean/Air Customs Clearance, Door Delivery, Unloading and Unpacking, to ensure the relocation runs smoothly. It is crucial to choose your best relocation company possible for moving to the United States of America (USA). Universal Relocations offers the best service for Moving to USA from.

We provide a free Estimate that offers exact services you require for an optimal price based on your requirements. The next step is to complete the contact form or call our sales team to reach out to you. This way you are guaranteed to have a worry-free move and save time and money at the same time.

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IMPORT CUSTOMS GUIDE TO USA

Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System VACIS exam is one of the holds by US customs for importing goods. The system was introduced by U.S. Customs Service, Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Department of Defense to inspect the cargo through law energy radio graphic images.

This system was introduced after 09/11 terrorist attacks to protect from illegal drugs, guns or currency. It is an x-ray system using gamma rays imaging to verify the contents inside the package or container without breaking the package seal. This x-ray examination is done either at pier (docks) or at port premises. VACIS equipment is used as mobile service also to use on road ,rail or any inland locations. Normally, VACIS exam is decided by Customs Border Protection (CBP) before arrival of cargo at port of discharge. Authorities at Terminal make arrangements for CBP to inspect the cargo after 48 hours of its arrival. VACIS can be decided on random, suspected or actual law violators. If contraband is found detected, the cargo or the container will be moved to Container Examination Station (CES) for thorough VACIS exam. Initially, the cargo will be scanned whole, and examination is carried out with the images obtained. If not satisfied by CBP, each packages will be unloaded and scan thoroughly.

If a consignment is selected for VACIS by CBP, charges of VACIS exam has to be paid by the importer. In some cases, although CBP released the import shipment , the private companies whom the CBP had authorized for handling arrangements for inspection, may not release the goods unless they receives their charges. Apart from VACIS exam, there may have additional storage charges or demurrage charges to shipping carriers due to delay in taking delivery.

Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) is a designation of US customs department. Normally CET exam is done to protect from narcotics, drugs or weapons. A physical examination of cargo is undertaken by Contraband Enforcement Team. In an intensive exam, normally the container is called to nearest CFS or port location. The complete physical inspection of each item in the container is carried out.

Once CET ordered for an intensive examination for a particular container by the US customs, the said container is moved to the nearest CFS for inspection. Private contractors are authorized to undertake this kind of job and the charges is on account of importer (?). The respective terminal will be intimated by customs and in turn to the carrier about the ‘hold’.

At some of the Terminals, importer can opt the freight station in which the cargo to be inspected. Once after moving cargo to the freight station, the cargo is de-stuffed, whole or part and thorough inspection is carried out. Once after inspection, if customs satisfied to release the container, the container is moved back to port for necessary on-carriage, after collecting the ‘intensive exam charges’ by private agencies authorized by CBP. If importer cannot pay the said charges in time, the container will not be moved further, although customs already released the container. In addition to the above charges, demurrage / storage also can be attracted on such goods. Under 19 USC 1467, CBP has the right to inspect any import cargo arrives in US. It is the responsibility of importer to make the import goods available for examination. Importer is also responsible to pay all charges related to such intensive examination.

You’ll be considered a “returning resident” by CBP. As a result, you’ll be allowed a Duty free for household goods like furniture, dishes, linens, books, artwork and other similar furnishings. CBP requires that these goods be intended for your personal use or previously used in a household where you were a resident for one year. Exams: If your ocean freight shipment is selected for an exam by CBP, you could end up paying fees that range anywhere from $295 for an X-ray exam (the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System or VACIS) or $1,000-$3,000 for an intensive exam. When it comes to air freight, most air shipments will undergo an X-ray exam. CBP may also choose to physically examine your shipment. Most commonly, shipments are chosen for agricultural reasons, especially if the shipment contains outdoor items such as gardening equipment, patio items, bicycles, etc. If your shipment gets chosen for an exam, it can be a frustrating and confusing process. Selection for any exam does not necessarily indicate there’s something wrong with either your shipment or your documentation. Customs exams are a normal part of the clearance process. CBP has its own algorithms that decide which shipments get chosen for inspection, and, at the end of the day, they have the right to perform exams on any import shipment, regardless of the importer’s nationality or citizenship.

CBP does not share their reasons for exams. However, one common reason for an intensive exam can be an unclear X-ray. While your air or sea shipment may undergo an exam at the initial airport or seaport, CBP has the right to demand a second exam upon your shipment’s arrival at the final airport or terminal. No outside representative may be present for any customs exam, including Universal Relocations , our customs broker or the importer. Exams can cause unpredictable delays. CBP does not disclose where your shipment is in the queue for an exam, nor do they provide any progress reports or predictions for when an exam will be completed and the shipment released to us. Congestion and high volume at the airport, seaport/terminal, and within CBP all affect how quickly the exam will take place. Final delivery to your residence cannot be scheduled until CBP has provided final release of your shipment.

This information is not definitive and is intended as a guide only. Destination regulations can change without notice and for specific guidance we strongly recommend that you obtain direct rulings from the relevant authorities. Please visit the US Customs Service

DISLCAIMER

The information presented herein his based on customs data available at the time of printing and isfrequently subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the owner or importer of the household goods to comply with the current customs restrictions, regulations, and duties of the country to which the goods are imported. We strongly advise customers to contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country for the most current information on customs regulations,
restrictions and duties for importing household goods, personal effects and vehicles.

Registration papers/Title.
Police Certificate or Registration.
Insurance Policy.
Original Purchase Invoice.
Log Book

U.S. citizens employed abroad or government employees returning on TDY or voluntary leave may import a foreign-made car free of duty provided they enter the United States for a short visit, claim nonresident status, and export the vehicle when they leave. Military and civilian employees of the U.S. government returning at the end of an assignment to
extended duty outside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) territory of the United States may include a conforming vehicle among their duty-free personal and household effects. The vehicle must have been purchased abroad and be in its owner’s possession prior to departure. Generally, extended duty is 140 days or more. Navy personnel serving aboard U.S. naval vessel or a supporting naval vessel from its departure from the United States to its return after an intended
overseas deployment of 120 days or more are entitled to the extended-duty exemption. Conforming vehicles imported under the duty-free exemption are dutiable if sold within one year of importation. Duty must be paid at the most convenient CBP office before the sale is completed.

Conforming vehicles so imported may remain in the United States indefinitely once a formal entry is made for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) purposes. Nonresidents may import a vehicle duty-free for personal use up to (1) one year if the vehicle isimported in conjunction with the owner’s arrival. Vehicles imported under this provision that do
not conform to U.S. safety and emission standards must be exported within one year and may not be sold in the United States. There is no exemption or extension of the export requirements.

DIPLOMAT STATUS

The following vehicles need not conform to emission or safety requirements but may NOT be sold in the United States and may require EPA and Department of Transportation (DOT) declarations:

Those imported by nonresidents for personal use not exceeding one year. The vehicle must be exported at the end of that year – there are no exceptions or extensions. Those belonging to members of foreign armed forces, foreign diplomatic personnel, or other individuals who come within the class of persons for whom free entry has been authorized by the Department of State in accordance with international law. Those temporarily imported for testing, demonstration, or competition, provided they are not licensed for use, or driven on public roads. These vehicles may be operated on public roads or highways provided the operations are an integral part of the test. Parties responsible for such vehicles must submit proper documents – forms EPA 3520-1 and DOT HS-7 – to CBP at the time entry is made. Also, applicable written approvals from these agencies must be obtained in advance and presented to CBP along with these forms. Remember, the cost to return vehicles that have been refused prior approval can be very high and must be borne by the vehicle
owner(s).

New items, if less than six months old (invoice required) Alcohol, Tobacco and perfume products dutiable and must be declared on Customs Form (C-3 or C-33). Presence of these items can result in full inspection. Of entire shipment (should not be shipped with house hold goods.) Plants will need a Phytosanitary certificate

Firearms. Valid Firearms Certificate issued by the police authorities.
All handguns other than certain .22 caliber target pistols, are now illegal in the United Kingdom.
Importation is strictly prohibited. Ammunition, flick knives, explosives and fireworks. Drugs and narcotics. Counterfeit currency. Pornographic material and horror comics. Meat, poultry, fish and other animal products. Radio transmitters (CB radios, walkie-talkie, cordless telephones, etc.) not approved for use in the United Kingdom. Trees, plants, shrubs, seeds, bulbs, soil, potatoes and certain other vegetables and fruits Most animals and all birds, whether alive or dead (i.e. stuffed) and certain articles derived from protected endangered species including furskins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from the endangered species.

Very strict restrictions apply. Health Certificate and proof of inoculation required Customs Form C-5 required. Dogs and cats: six months quarantine required in government approved facility. Quarantine kennel space limited, must be booked prior to importation. Import License – not granted until other requirements have been met, and quarantine (six months) in licensed facility has been arranged

DISLCAIMER

Although Universal Relocations has tried to make the above information as accurate as possible, UNIVERSAL RELOCATIONS will not accepts any responsibility or liability for any changes in duty structure from above information we encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you book the consignment.

I am moving to the U.S. with household and personal effects; how can I make the entry process more efficient

I am moving to the U.S. with household and personal effects; how can I make the entry process more efficient

When completing the Customs and Border Protection Form(CBP Form) 6059B, “Customs Declaration,” for accompanying goods or the CBP Form 3299 “Declaration For Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles,” the statement that the goods are “household effects” is not enough information. The complete inventory of imported goods will be treated as the packing list and must be provided to CBP upon request.

Household effects are furniture, dishes, linens, libraries, artwork and similar household furnishings for your personal use. In order to avoid paying duty on these items, the articles must have either been available for your use or used in a household where you were a resident for one year. And are not intended for any other person or for sale.

Personal effects are items that belong to and are used by one person, such as wearing apparel, jewelry, photographic equipment and tape recorders. They cannot be entered as household effects. As with everything entering the US, these items will still be subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers.

Canadians (who live in the U.S. for certain parts of the year, known as “snowbirds”) must also submit a CBP Form 3299 in order to import unaccompanied household effects into the U.S., although not permanently. No form is needed if you plan to travel along with your goods, however, a manifest listing the items contained in your vehicle is necessary to present to the officer at the Port of Entry.

Can I import or ship my car / vehicle with my personal or household effects packed inside?

Can I import or ship my car / vehicle with my personal or household effects packed inside?

Household and personal effects should not be packed in the car or other vehicle that you are importing into the United States.

Vehicles are subject to various federal agencies requirements, increasing the possibility that the vehicle will be delayed (or possibly refused) entry. If your household and personal effects are packed in the vehicle, they would also be delayed or refused entry. Furthermore, if U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decides to inspect the interior of your vehicle, any goods inside the vehicle would be at risk for breakage.

If you are driving your vehicle across the border, CBP does not have a problem with your household or personal effects being in the vehicle. Just be sure to declare your household and personal effects on a CBP Form 6059 at the border. Also be aware that an entry must be filed with CBP on the vehicle in order to register it in the state you reside. If you failed to formally enter the car when you drove it into the U.S., you can file the entry and pay duty at your nearest CBP office.

To learn about the requirements for importing a vehicle into the U.S., see Importing a Motor Vehicle located on our website.

How long do I have to move all of my household and personal effects to the U.S?

How long do I have to move all of my household and personal effects to the U.S?

You do not have to bring your household and personal effects into the United States all at once. However, in order for you to import them duty-free, you should not wait longer than 10 years after the importer’s/owner’s last arrival in the U.S. from the country in which the goods were used.

After 10 years, the only way they may be imported duty-free is if you can provide the Port Director with an explanation of unavoidable circumstances, which made it impossible to import them within 10 years.

Under no circumstances can they be imported duty-free if 25 years or more has elapsed, since the last arrival into the U.S. from the country in which the effects were used. For additional information please reference 19 CFR148.52(d)

If I am a new resident to the U.S., do my unaccompanied household effects / personal effects / tools of trade / etc. qualify for duty-free entry?

If I am a new resident to the U.S., do my unaccompanied household effects / personal effects / tools of trade / etc. qualify for duty-free entry?

Duty Exemptions for Household and Personal Effects

Personal and household effects entitled to duty-free entry need not accompany you to the United States; you may have them shipped to your U.S. address at a later time if you choose. Your shipment of personal and/or household goods must be cleared through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at its first port of arrival, unless you have made arrangements with a foreign freight forwarder to have your effects sent to CBP custody in-bond from the port of arrival to a more convenient port of entry for clearance. Ask your moving company if they offer this service.

You may import furniture, dishes, linens, libraries, artwork and similar household furnishings for your personal use free of duty. To be eligible for duty-free exemption, the articles must have either been available for your use or used in a household where you were a resident for one year. The year of use does not need to be continuous, nor does it need to be the year immediately before the date of importation.

CBP will not notify you that your goods have arrived. It is essential that the carrier notify you that your goods have arrived in port – otherwise after 15 days, they will be taken to a general order warehouse and may be sold at auction after six months.

If you cannot come to the CBP office yourself, you may designate a friend or relative to represent you in CBP matters. You must give that person a letter addressed to “Officer in Charge of CBP” authorizing that individual to represent you as your agent on a one-time basis to clear your shipment through CBP along with a completed CBP Form 3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles to give to the CBP Officer.

If your household/personal effects will accompany you, a manifest list of your items must be presented to the CBP Officer.

Professional Equipment/Tools of Trade

Your professional equipment or tools of trade are entitled to duty-free consideration if they are for your personal use. They do not have to have been in your household for more than 1 year to qualify for this exemption.

Liquor and Tobacco

You may bring in one liter of alcoholic beverages, free of duty and internal revenue tax, if you are at least 21 years of age, if it is for your own use or for a gift, and it is not in violation of the laws of the state in which you either arrive or are moving to. Alcoholic beverages beyond the one-liter limitation are subject to duty and Internal Revenue tax. Additional bottles may be imported, but it can be complicating.

Up to 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes (one carton) may be included in your exemption. If you have Tobacco products from Cuba you will need to contact the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and for updated information on current Cuban sanctions.

Firearms and Ammunition

You must use a registered dealer to enter your firearms. For more information, please contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at (866) 662-2720 or ATF licensing.

Gifts

Items that you intend to give to other people as gifts when you arrive in the U.S. are not considered to be part of your household or personal effects and are not eligible for duty-free treatment. However, there is a duty-free exemption for up to $100’s worth of gifts. Any items in excess of that value will be dutiable at applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

What is the definition of a part time resident? Are part time residents exempt from duty on householditems?

What is the definition of a part time resident? Are part time residents exempt from duty on householditems?

A part time resident may maintain two households , one in the United States and one in another country. They may be in the United States for business, for pleasure, or for educational purposes. The visit can be for a few weeks or for several years.

A part time resident may be classified, for CBP purposes, as either a returning resident or a nonresident. The status of either returning resident or nonresident is dependent upon several things and is usually decided on a case by case basis.

Deciding factors include:

citizenship
where the traveler pays taxes
where they are employed
what country or state drivers license they possess, etc.

A U.S. citizen is presumed to be a resident unless they can show that they are a resident of another country (possess a residency visa for another country, a round-trip ticket to return to another country, etc.) A citizen of another country residing in the U.S. must have a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service) Form I-551, residency visa, also called a “green card,” or LPR card (Lawful Permanent Resident) to be considered a returning resident.

Part time residents may import household goods for use in their U.S. residence free of duty only if those goods have been in their foreign residence at least 1 year. See answer ID #107 regarding the declaration of goods.