Registering electronics with US Customs
 

I heard that when you bring your electronic equipments such as cameras, laptop, etc, to a foreign country, you need to show proof that these items were purchase in the US when you go through custom on your return to the States. This is to show that the item were not purchase in the foreign country - when you declare items purchased. Has anyone had problem with bringing back a camera or discman back after a foreign trip that was purchased at home?

Micki - just stop in at the US Customs office before your departure from the US and fill out their registrtion form, on which you list the item(s) and the serial numbers. Customs then stamps it and hands it to you. This constitutes your proof of ownership if you are stopped on your return. The form never expires, and is good until it falls apart!

The customs registration process is purely a service offered by customs. In the event there is any question on your return as to whether items are newly purchased and subject to duty the registration paper would solve it really quickly. <BR> <BR>In most cases it's an easy thing to do and in major cities you may find a customs office near your home. <BR> <BR>As a practical matter I've returned from Europe several dozen times and never been asked about the origin of any valuables I had taken with me on the trip. It will come as no surprise to most of you that the customs officers are quite experienced and skilled at discriminating between "new" and "pretty new" items. For example, most metal/plastic cases on things like cameras/Walkmen, etc. will pick up some scratches very quickly. Clothes will develop lint in pockets quite quickly. <BR> <BR>Take advantage of the service if you wish ... it may save you a hassle some day. On the other hand, if you're unable to do so you probably will have no problems at all on return. <BR> <BR>twenj

Thank your for your advices

I wouldn't waste my time. In all my trips abroad i have never been questions or searched concerning what i was bringing into the country. Customs offerciers are looking for things like drugs, excessive designer purchases (Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc) and illegal articles. They are also extermely focused on meats, fruits and vegetables right now. <BR> <BR>I think they know that the average holiday traveler has a camera and a certain amount of goods with them.