[Elecraft] Traveling and US Customs

[David Christ]

I did this once with a camera.  It was good forever.  What I have to say here is my belief and I am not a lawyer.

The signature has to be by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official.  I have not tried this at a Canadian crossing, but if you stop before the Canadian barrier and go to the US post there they should be able to sign it for you.

The intent of this form is to certify that it had legally entered the US and by implication all duty had been paid.

Note that the form refers to dutiable items.  Elecraft equipment is manufactured in the US and so by its very nature is not dutiable on its return to the US thus this form is not applicable.  Proof of US origin would be.

When I registered a camera at O'hare customs office they rather treated me as a pain in the donkey but signed it anyway.  I have traveled many times with groups where many people had expensive Japanese cameras and never saw one challenged.

Again I am not a lawyer, but I have never heard of this being a problem.  But it would not hurt to have the paper.

David K0LUM


On Mar 13, 2014, at 11:32 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:

> Ray,
> 
> I guess it has changed a lot since the time I flew to Winnipeg from Minneapolis in 1999.  I specifically telephoned the Canadian customs in Winnipeg to check requirements since I was bringing along a radio to a conference.  That is when I discovered the main issue was returning to the US.  At that time it was recommended to have invoices showing proof of ownership.
> 
> But, alas, Homeland Security did not yet exist.  So I wonder if there is a Custom's Office in Anchorage or will I have to fly to Seattle to find one?  Hopefully, the form 4457 is valid for more than one trip!
> 
> My point about having a passport for travel into Canada should be noted.  Used to be only a US Drivers license was needed.
> 
> A K3 would not, but the discussion had folks talking about smaller radios like the KX3, FT-817, HT's which could be taken to look like cell phones.  I've never had a HT or my FT-817 questioned by TSA.  But I stopped taking my home-built 10-GHz portable station in Pelican case as the mass wires and HB switches and lights likely would not pass.  I cannot take that chance after traveling 4-hours by road to the airport and parking my vehicle off airport.  So I ship it ahead by Fedex if I travel with it.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW