Canadian citizens considering a move to the United States: It can be a challenging procedure if all the documentation is not completed properly. If you have been in possession of your personal belongings and household goods for at least one year or more, your goods can be allowed entry into the U.S. on a duty-free basis. You are however required to declare all your items and indicate the actual present values when finalizing the mandatory documentation. Should the U.S. Customs official discover the value of these items have been understated, or that all items were in fact not declared, those unlisted items, whether they are personal belongings or household goods, can indeed be confiscated. The individual can be charged not only a penalty, but the duty on them as well. There are certain situations when U.S. Customs may charge a duty on a citizen’s personal items, and they should always inquire with U.S. customs before the moving process begins.

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There are additional regulations to take note of as well:
Alcoholic Beverages: Based on liability limitations imposed on moving companies, they are prohibited from transporting alcohol of any kind on their vehicles that contain personal belongings. If an individual wishes to transport any alcoholic beverages across the border, it is suggested that they transport it themselves, or it can be arranged to be transported separately by the moving company. Some types of alcohol may also be subject to certain duty charges or taxation.
Pets or Animals: If an individual wants to transport their pets across the border they must do so under specific limitations. Any dog or cat older than three months must have documentation of proof of rabies vaccination along with a good health recommendation from a veterinarian. Also note that most birds may undergo some type of quarantine requirement.
Antiques: Any items that are declared to be antique must be at least 100 years or older in order to be allowed to cross the border without being subject to duty charges. In certain instances, it is highly advisable the individual carries documentation such as a receipt or an appraisal of the item’s value should the U.S. Customs official request some type of authenticity.
Motor Vehicles: All vehicles intended for use on U.S. highways, which includes motorcycles, must meet all U.S. safety and environmental standards in order to be permitted entry into the U.S. Any motor vehicles that do not meet the minimum requirements will be allowed entry into the U.S. on a provisional basis; however the vehicle will be required to be exported within a time frame of one year, or will be subject to seizure. If an individual would like to move a vehicle to the U.S., it is recommended that they inquire with a U.S. Customs office before the moving process takes place. It is also suggested that if any further information is needed regarding vehicle eligibility or other requirements to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s Department of Transportation web address: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import
Preparing For The Move, The Inventory:
Prior to moving across the U.S. and Canadian border, either the individual or the moving company must document all their personal belongings and household items by creating an itemized inventory. Each item on the inventory list should be cataloged by number along with a brief description. When this inventory is complete, the individual will be asked to sign the inventory sheet by the moving company representative, to signify that all the items and personal belongings have been listed. It is recommended that the individual become fully involved in the inventory process, so that all the items can be accounted for at the time of the unloading process at the new destination. If the individual is planning on using a professional packing service or a moving company, it is important to verify that every item needed to be included in the shipment has been packed, and that all the items correspond to the inventory during the loading process. A copy of the inventory should be provided to the transport vehicle driver to facilitate the customs clearance process and delivery verification at the destination.
 

 

 

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