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For import in to USA It is now absolutely necessary that the wood is stamped with the ISPM 15 marking! "Certificates are NOT accepted and ONLY the ISPM 15 marking on the wood itself is permitted."

Consignment Regulations :

Air Waybills and Ocean Bills of Lading for shipments entering the United States are now to be consigned to the property owner, NOT the Destination Agent.

New consignment instructions :

In the Shippers box: full name, address, city and country of property owner In the Consignee box: full name, address, city and state (2 letter code) with postal code of the property owner (if new home/delivery address is not available then use Employer's address or alternate contact address)

Notify Party: Name of destination Agent, address, city, state, postal code, telephone and fax number Please advise your Export/Traffic Department and all appropriate staff of this important change in order to avoid delays and additional charges in clearing imports. Enforcement of this new regulation will probably differ in the various U.S. ports of entry. Please contact your destination agent if you need additional information.

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS :

Products of endangered species (i.e. ivory, animal hides, etc.), plant and animal products (i.e. perishable foodstuffs), narcotics, drugs without prescriptions, automobiles that do not meet US safety and emission standards, and flammable materials. The importation of firearms is highly restricted in the U.S. Please contact your Moving company prior to shipping.

The shipping of alcoholic beverages and food is highly discouraged because of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. When either is included in a household goods shipment the transferee must provide authorities (Food and Drug Administration) advance notice by completing a Prior Notice. For additional information go to the following website:

http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS :

Household Goods and Personal effects :

Used household goods are admitted duty free if they have been in the owner's possession for 12 months prior to importation to the U.S.A. Items purchased abroad within the last twelve months are considered dutiable. U.S. Customs will not allow clearance of household goods prior to owner's arrival date.

Documents required :

  • Completed and signed US Customs and Border Protection US Custom Declaration Form 3299 and Supplemental.
  • Signed U.S. Customs Power of Attorney.
  • Inventory in English.
  • Photocopies of passport photo page.
  • Copies of original ocean bill of lading or air waybill.
  • Photocopy of Visa

Additional Requirements for Non-residents & People Immigrating :

  • Passport Number
  • Visa Number
  • Type of Visa (Working Visa, Student Visa; or other)
  • Country of Issuance
  • Date of Issuance
  • Date of Expiration
  • I-94 Form (If applicable)

Alcohol :

The shipping of alcoholic beverages is highly discouraged. When included in a household goods shipment the transferee must provide authorities (Food and

Drug Administration) advance notice by completing a Prior Notice. For additional information go to the following website: http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/bioact.html

The following information is needed :

  • Number of Bottles/Cans Type
  • Common Name
  • Manufacturer & Address
  • Volume per Bottle/Can
  • Vintage of Wine
  • Alcohol Content
  • Value Per Bottle
  • Food items to the USA - BIO-Terrorism Regulations

On December 12, 2003 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) implemented strict new procedures with regard to the importation of any food items. These items are not permitted entry within a household goods or personal effects shipment unless the FDA guidelines are followed. If not followed precisely, the new regulations will cause delays at the port of arrival, probable additional expenses and possible confiscation and destruction of the food items.

Documentation required for EACH item in an unaccompanied shipment of household goods is as follows: :

  • Complete FDA product code
  • Common or usual market name
  • Estimated quantity and breakdown of containers and sizes
  • Lot or code numbers may be required
  • FDA country of production
  • Country from which the article is being shipped
  • Anticipated arrival information-port, date and time of arrival
  • Name and address of importer
  • Name and address of owner (if different)
  • Name and address of ultimate consignee
  • Note: the above is the owner's responsibility
  • Mode of transportation
  • Carrier
  • Planned shipment information to include air waybill number, bill of lading number, voyage or flight number, rail car number, road trip number.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ADEQUATE PRIOR NOTICE CAN RESULT IN CIVIL OR CRIMINAL ACTION AGAINST THE OWNER/IMPORTER IN FEDERAL COURT. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES CAN ALSO BE ASSESSED IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO 100% OF THE VALUE OF THE GOODS.

You can personally view the new regulations at the following website :

http://www.fda.gov/oc/bioterrorism/furls/

It is our desire to make your move as smooth as possible and to alert you to new and possible expensive regulations implemented by the U.S. Government. While we currently cannot prohibit you from including any food items in your shipment we are required to notify you and make you aware of the current regulations.Based on these regulations, we strongly advise that you do not ship food items. However, if it is necessary, our agents have been instructed to pack and load any food items in a separate carton or crate, mark it accordingly and list all such items on the packing list. It is our hope that by doing this it will assist the FDA in their inspection of your shipment and possibly reduce the cost to you and/or your company.

Antiques :

Antiques 100 years old or older can be imported duty free if the transferee has a certificate of antiquity in English as proof for Customs.

Documents required :

  • Statement signed by importer stating either, "For personal use - not for resale," or "For resale."
  • Supplier's invoice showing description, value and circa date.
  • Detailed packing list - Must be able to match items on invoice with packing list.