Customs Information

Customs Before You Go

To avoid confusion and/or paying duty on foreign-made personal items you own before you leave on your trip, it is recommended that you register certain items before you leave the United States. This is particularly important for expensive foreign-made items like laptops or watches. You can register the items at the nearest Customs and Border Patrol office or at the international airport from which you are departing. Be sure to request a Certificate of Registration (CBP Form 4457) and have the items (including serial numbers) handy. It's also helpful to bring a receipt of purchase, bill of sale, insurance policy or jeweler’s appraisal for proof of ownership. There is no cost for the certificate, and it allows for duty-free entry for the life of the item.

Customs When You Return

Save receipts for merchandise purchased throughout the week. Upon returning to the US, keep receipts and purchased items together in an accessible place so they are found quickly if you’re chosen for inspection. Each U.S. resident will be assessed duty on the total retail value of all merchandise purchased outside of the U.S and Canada (except for liquor and tobacco). For additional details please see the following websites:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Canada Border Service Agency