US Customs and Photography equipment
Jun 23, 2019 20:57:49 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
I took a backpack full of photo gear on a trip to Europe a dozen years ago (never do that again! lol). I had the same experience that dennis2146 had. Not sure what you would do if you lived far away from a customs office except to carry the receipts with you if they were available.
Jun 23, 2019 22:41:22 #
I live in the UK and travel from time to time around Europe and the USA. I have encountered some issues entering the USA. I now take photos in situ of all the stuff that I travel with . The exif data on the photos will show the location, date and serial number of the stuff. It may not work but is a bit of protection.
Jun 23, 2019 22:50:06 #
Jun 23, 2019 23:11:00 #
dino21
Loc: McAllen, TX
your all living in an old world. Customs doesn't waste their time on this stuff anymore.
Jun 23, 2019 23:24:42 #
[quote=aberthet]Has anyone encountered issues upon returning to the US with the US CBP concerning your photography equipment? They could assume you may have bought the equipment abroad and may ask you to pay duty.
I know the CBP has a form (CBP form 4457) you can fill out prior to travelling abroad where you can list all your equipment by type, model, and serial numbers. The only problem with that is it requires you to go to a US Customs office with all the equipment so an officer can verify the information and stamp the form. US CBP offices are mostly located at international airports (AOE) which could be far away from where you live.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/368/~/registering-equipment%2C-computer%2C-camera%2C-laptops%2C-etc.-prior-to-traveling[/quote
A recent trip to Barcelona was quite memorable. Prior to each photo shoot I research to find stores that would offer souvenirs, food, photo equipment and of course, cigars. I happened to find El Corte Ingles. This is a lovely department store that happened to have everything one could want. I happened to the photography department to find the most delightful lens priced at €1,999. I stood there and realized this would be over $2250. Then I caught some sensibility and moved on. Paying duty on imported items gets expensive and downright outrageous. Having to fill out forms after an 8 hour flight would be arduous.
I know the CBP has a form (CBP form 4457) you can fill out prior to travelling abroad where you can list all your equipment by type, model, and serial numbers. The only problem with that is it requires you to go to a US Customs office with all the equipment so an officer can verify the information and stamp the form. US CBP offices are mostly located at international airports (AOE) which could be far away from where you live.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/368/~/registering-equipment%2C-computer%2C-camera%2C-laptops%2C-etc.-prior-to-traveling[/quote
A recent trip to Barcelona was quite memorable. Prior to each photo shoot I research to find stores that would offer souvenirs, food, photo equipment and of course, cigars. I happened to find El Corte Ingles. This is a lovely department store that happened to have everything one could want. I happened to the photography department to find the most delightful lens priced at €1,999. I stood there and realized this would be over $2250. Then I caught some sensibility and moved on. Paying duty on imported items gets expensive and downright outrageous. Having to fill out forms after an 8 hour flight would be arduous.
Jun 24, 2019 02:12:08 #
aberthet
Loc: San Clemente, CA
I am the OP of this thread and want to thank everyone for their feedback. It seems the majority of responders think it’s not an issue and I shouldn’t worry about been questioned about the origin of my expensive photography equipment upon my return from Europe. I particularly appreciated the input from the retired US Customs agent. I have travelled internationally many times and never had an issue with Customs, they always were very professional and courteous. However, at the time I was not carrying a backpack full of camera gear. Because I’m kind of a paranoid person, I think I will fill out the form and have it signed at the nearest CBP office which will be at LAX.
Jun 24, 2019 08:56:38 #
A Google search reveals that the world's cheapest country to buy cameras is...United States of America. That's why few Customs agents bother with camera equipment carried by returning travelers.
This was not always so. In the Sixties and Seventies, Japan was by far the best place for Japanese cameras, but Hong Kong was the cheapest for cameras and lenses in general. When I bought cameras in either place, I was given a form to give to local Customs on exiting the country, which saved me the expense of VAT.
This was not always so. In the Sixties and Seventies, Japan was by far the best place for Japanese cameras, but Hong Kong was the cheapest for cameras and lenses in general. When I bought cameras in either place, I was given a form to give to local Customs on exiting the country, which saved me the expense of VAT.
Jun 24, 2019 18:55:49 #
custodian
Loc: New York
I cross the border all the time with my camera equipment. Only one time did they ask if I took pictures of the border. I just SD no. I wanted to say why would I want to take a picture of the border but that would not have need well
Jun 25, 2019 00:02:45 #
aberthet wrote:
Has anyone encountered issues upon returning to th... (show quote)
I buy all of my equipment at a major store in NYC. I will scope out a store when on vacation just in case. Besides, my wife won't let me spend my souvenir money on camera gear. She would rather I spend my money on refrigerator magnets.
Jun 26, 2019 17:57:29 #
marvinjwolf wrote:
A Google search reveals that the world's cheapest ... (show quote)
...and that has been my experience also. 2nd cheapest place is Canada :-)
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