Bill P

US CBP offices are mostly located at international airports (AOE) which could be far away from where you live.
Um, nope. I live in a mid sized market, less than 800,000. our local airport has never h ad an international flight, except for a very few one time cargo shipments, and the biggest airplane that comes here is a 737.

And yet we have a customs office. It's not a separate location, it's right in the office building where the CBP offices are. I walk in the front door, and the guy at the door inside takes care of it. Always been polite and efficient. For the the half hour including drive time it takes, I consider it worth it.

Any airport with a cargo terminal will have this office, and I believe that TSA is not in the same office, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Keen

Life is tough, and then you die. Which would be more inconvenient....traveling to a Customs office, and registering your gear....of having your gear confiscated upon your return home, and you being fined? Life is full of choices. Make one.

repleo Loc: Boston

We are always asked if we are bringing in any goods purchased abroad both on the declaration form and verbally by the customs official. We can usually answer ‘no’ truthfully. If you are evasive or over-explain they may get inquisitive and require further, but they are usually more interested in food items than cameras
On one occasion I declared a package of dried ‘marrowfat’ peas. The guy nearly had a kaniphshin. It took ten minutes to satisfy him that it didn’t contain any sort of meat product.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

One of the most bizarre things I have ever found in the US is the inability to get a prescription filled in the next State. ie if you want to practice medicine each State requires you to be registered within that State. What on earth are they protecting ?
And different levels of State tax. For being one country there sure are a lot of differences between States.

AJFRED Loc: Alabama

When I buy stuff, I keep a copy of the sales receipt, which has the serial number of the device on it, and the date I bought it. I take copies of those receipts with me, and have had to use them once, but those were enough. Another reason for having this info with you, is in case stuff gets stolen. Easier to deal with your insurance company back home, if you have a police report containing the info.

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

I travel international extensively. Never ever a problem. Travel with several lenses, cameras, tripod and all of the associated paraphernalia that goes with it. I use my gear and it looks used. If your gear is new, ie: you bought it the day before you left, there might be an issue I suppose. I have not bothered filling out any pre-trip declaration in almost 50 years. Not once have I been asked or checked.

cascoly Loc: seattle

the civil war settled this question of grammar
"the united states are..." became "the united states is..."

cascoly Loc: seattle

during the depression the LAPD Blocked Dust Bowl Migrants at State Borders - another disgraceful treatment of US citizens basic rights - surpassed a decade later by the internment of Japanese citizens

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-mar-09-me-then9-story.html

dino21 Loc: McAllen, TX

I worked with US Customs/CBP for 28 years before I retired. Just because people have never been asked or run into problems does not mean you will not in the future.... To be safe, go online go to CBP website download the CF 4457 and fill it out with a description of the item, the serial numbers, approximate date of purchase. etc. Take this with you and explain when you come back that when you left the country, there was no CBP Office open that you could find at the time of departure. IF ASKED!

I think a lot has to do with your attitude, whether the equipment looks new, if there is more than one of the items, which may indicate your bringing things in to sell and of course the value of the items. My advice is answer all questions truthfully but only what they ask you. They will ask if you acquired any items abroad which most people do. Declare all the items you acquired as they ask.
If upon inspection they go through your camera gear they may once again ask if you acquired any of the items abroad. Here..of course just tell them the truth. At that point, i would bring out the form with the details already listed and explain that these were all items that you purchased prior to your trip and you were unable to visit CBP in person to have the officer verify. (unless you live in a city where there is a CBP office this will usually be sufficient to the officer unless you are just being an asshole. I guess if you need to make yourself feel somewhat further safer, you could go down with your CF4457 filled out with all the items listed as indicated above and have it notarized. At least they would be able to see you were thinking correctly.

But to tell you the truth, if you are courteous, truthful and answer their questions, unless the items are looking brand new, more than one of each item and not in brand new sealed packaging, the risk of anyone officer making you pay dutys or anything are very remote. Yes it is suppose to be preregistered but unless you are giving them an excuse to spend more time on you than necessary they are going to just tell you to have a nice day. Hell, 28 years working for the organization and I bet i saw one of these forms maybe twice. Most Officers would have to look for hours to even find the darned form if you did go down to CBP. In short....Is it required???Technically yes. Is it enforced? No - unless you are an arrogant asshole. I would not worry about it unless my stuff was worth a whole lot of money. They have to many other things to do than worry about stuff like this.

johnblenko Loc: Pittsburgh

I carry photocopies of my B&H invoices. But, having said that, I’ve never had an agent ask me anything or ask to see evidence that it was bought in the US.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Just take copies of your purchase invoices.

clherms

Carry receipts. Will show the dates and places purchased. I have a receipt envelope and copies of all purchases of camera equipment go in that envelope and it travels with me.

Valerie9185 Loc: Weeki Wachee florida

Just spent a month traveling in India with two cameras and assorted lens.
I had no problem with all National flights nor international flights.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I do not see where you are wrong at all. But if you are stopped by customs it is not their responsibility to check serial numbers but yours to have your papers in order. The good part we are all saying is that customs doesn’t seem to care much these days. I have bought cameras from Japan and paid no duty, brought rifles back into the US and not a word was said.

Dennis

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Name 1 person you know who has had their own gear confiscated and been fined after returning to the US with the gear they left with. This is such a non issue.