Returning Through Customs
Mar 22, 2015 10:07:42 #
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
Mar 22, 2015 10:17:45 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
When I hunted in Africa years ago I went to the nearest U.S. Customs office before leaving the country and filled out a form listing each firearm and piece of equipment I took with me. Customs had a copy on file and I took a copy with me to use when returning to the U.S. Since that time I have taken a number of cruises in Europe and did not fill out the form. I doubt most people do. I don't think you will have any problems at all.
Dennis
Mar 22, 2015 10:21:30 #
Original (or copies) of your sales receipts. Kept safely with the equipment, maybe dupes in another spot. DON'T go without proof of purchase!! When I purchase camera stuff on-line I save the acknowledgement and confirmations in a folder so I can go back to them if needed.
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
Mar 22, 2015 10:41:17 #
I suggest you contact the US Customs office and ask them for the current requirements, if any.
Mar 22, 2015 11:51:49 #
The beauty about calling is that if you don't like the answer,call back and someone else will eventually give you a response that you like.
Mar 23, 2015 05:33:30 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
Complete CBP Form 4457 Certificate of Registration (available at customs officers, most travel agencies and some post offices). You will have a copy to compare to the Federally held original original when you return. Make sure descriptions are complete and that ALL SERIAL NUMBERS ARE CORRECT before filing the form.
Mar 23, 2015 06:39:20 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Have been to Ireland, Italy, and Peru, never filled out anything, but took my camera's as a carry on. Was passed through x ray. As a precaution, I keep the cards in a case that protected them from x ray. Don't like the cameras out of my view. When I shot for UPI years ago we did the same thing when we traveled. It seemed easier then, used film and no e ray's to worry about. Now I just make sure my home owners insurance covers loss oversees, mine does.
I would also suggest you check with the local cultures, some frown on pictures of the natives. I am sure though in Japan, home of the camera nuts, you will be welcomed with open arms.
I would also suggest you check with the local cultures, some frown on pictures of the natives. I am sure though in Japan, home of the camera nuts, you will be welcomed with open arms.
Mar 23, 2015 07:41:29 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
A very large percentage of cameras and lenses is marked "Made In Japan" and I have never heard of the average tourist returning from Japan having any problems. Now, if you have the factory boxes or anything else in your luggage suggesting that you bought an item while in-country, that could be a different story. One thought that occurred to me the other day was to scan the receipts and keep the pdf's on a smart phone or I Pad, if you will be carrying either. That should satisfy any customs officer's curiosity, plus, you will have all the necessary info for the police should any of your gear be stolen. Not likely in Japan, but possible there or anywhere.
Mar 23, 2015 07:53:46 #
Mogul wrote:
Complete CBP Form 4457 Certificate of Registration (available at customs officers, most travel agencies and some post offices). You will have a copy to compare to the Federally held original original when you return. Make sure descriptions are complete and that ALL SERIAL NUMBERS ARE CORRECT before filing the form.
form is available on line and also you need to get it certified by a custom officer prior to leaving. Also you have the original the g=customs do not keep a copy
Mar 23, 2015 07:59:10 #
lalezo
Loc: Gainesville, FL
Go to your nearest Customs Office with your gear and have them fill out a form -- Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad --- or you can request the form and they will mail it to you. I have in the past done so, since I carried a fair amount of gear ... all foreign made. You have to describe the equipment in detail _ Manufacturer, Model, Serial # ... it applies to the cameras, but also to each lens, tripods, cases, etc. Good Luck ... and enjoy your trip.
Lloyd
Lloyd
Mar 23, 2015 08:10:06 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
I simply scan my receipts into PDF format and keep them on my iPad. There is really no need to go to customs and fill out forms, but it may save you a few minutes when you return. Not as many as you will spend filling out the forms however.
Mar 23, 2015 08:29:55 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
I just came back from Japan and had no problem at all. I would suggest one ultra wide angle lens if you can. It will be useful at a lot of the temples and shrines.
Where are you going in Japan? We were in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hokone
Mar 23, 2015 08:30:07 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
As Dennis said, filling out the customs forms is the best way to go. I did that once years ago, but my equipment has never checked when I entered the country.
Mar 23, 2015 09:22:37 #
Mogul wrote:
Complete CBP Form 4457 Certificate of Registration (available at customs officers, most travel agencies and some post offices). You will have a copy to compare to the Federally held original original when you return. Make sure descriptions are complete and that ALL SERIAL NUMBERS ARE CORRECT before filing the form.
:thumbup:
Mar 23, 2015 09:48:58 #
JoeB wrote:
My family and I will be traveling to Japan in May for vacation. I will be bringing my Nikon D300s, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lens with some filters and a 2x extender. My question is, will I have problems returning through Customs with this equipment as it is all made in Japan, will I need proof that I purchased it in the United States? If so, what do you recommend?
All you will need is your insurance papers showing the equipment that you have....Rich
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