MOVING TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• Copy of Passport (some ports require Passports for all family members listed on the 3299)
• Form CF-3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles, if applicable
• Copy of Visa (if non-US citizen / permanent resident) / copy of Permanent Resident Card
• A-1 Visa (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
• Form DS-1504 (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
• Form CF-6059B – Customs Declaration
• Copy of Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to the USA for you.
• Detailed moving inventory in English – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
• Food Questionnaire
• CBP Form 7501 -Customs Entry Summary
• Importers Security Filing (ISF)
• I-94 Stamp / Card

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to The United States of America. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at American Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

• All shipments are subject to examination at the discretion of Customs officials.
• Do not indicate “packed by owner” (PBO) or miscellaneous descriptions on the detailed moving inventory.
• The I-94 is an arrival stamp / card in the Passport of all foreigners that indicates the length of time they have been admitted into the USA (some ports require a copy of the card).
• All foreign Diplomats (A-1 Visa types) are required to be processed via the Department ofStateon a DS-1504 form, which is submitted to the Department ofStateby the Consulate / Embassy of the Diplomat at least 10 days prior to arrival of the shipment.
• Brokers are not allowed to clear Customs on CF-3299 entries for foreign Diplomats holding an A-1 Visa.
• 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.
• 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.
• It is important for agents in the origin country to make sure the ISF is timely filed prior to the sailing of the vessel from the last foreign port for all ocean shipments to avoid penalties.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. The year of use does not need to be continuous not does it need to be the year immediately prior to the date of importation (Hawaii).
• Shipments from the 49 United States into Hawaii are not subject to U.S. Customs requirements, but shipments from foreign countries to Hawaii are subject to all of the same rules and regulations that apply to the rest of the United States.
• Only shipments of used household goods and personal effects may enter the U.S. under Informal Entry.
• For shipments to Hawaii containing garden tools, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, motorcycles, scooters or any other items used outdoors, it is likely to be examined by U.S. Customs. If Customs finds outdoor items to be dirty or contain insects or snails, they will notify the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The State may require the entire shipment to be cleaned, fumigated or frozen to clean potential bacteria or kill any invasive species. Shippers should be forewarned that they are responsible to pay for the expense of this process, it can be very costly and it may result in damage to household goods. Informed decisions should be made regarding the import of items.
• U.S. Customs may also order intensive exams on any shipments containing food products, medications or liquor. The shipper is responsible to pay for the exams and any damage incurred during inspections by Customs officials.

Note: The import regulations for the 48 contiguous United States and Alaska are included herein. Significant distinct requirements for the import of household goods shipments into Hawaii exist; therefore, a separate relocation guide has been included on the website.As the 50th state in the United States, shipments from the other 49 states in the United States are not subject to U. S. Customs. Shipments to Hawaii from foreign countries are subject to all the same rules and regulations that apply to the rest of the United States. Only shipments of used household goods and personal effects may enter the U.S. under Informal Entry.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to The United States of America:

• Detailed moving inventory
• Purchase Invoice

• U.S. Customs requires items to be at least 100 years old be classified as antiques.
• A recently purchased antique should indicate the circa date on the invoice.
• Antiques are duty free.
• Carpets of Iranian origin that have been used in the foreign household for at least 1 year and being imported with the owner’s household goods and personal effects are generally approved for import. It is recommended that if you have a large number of carpets or they are new that you do not ship as the USA currently has an embargo on Iranian origin goods, subject to change at any time.
• Paintings of nominal value can be shipped with household goods shipments.
• Artifacts of any type should not be shipped without first checking with the USA agent and the country of export, as different regulations may apply depending on the country of origin, type of artifact and circa date. Additionally, many countries are parties to CITES Treaties or Acts that don’t allow the import or export of certain types of artifacts or require permits that must be issued prior to export.

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 20 7097 5335 , or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

If you’re moving to The United States of America, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Gerson Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335 .

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to The United States of America, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.