Expert: Roberto Gomes - 6/24/2005

Question
I am traveling to Italy with my university to make a short film and we are bringing a lot of expensive cameras and equipment with us. We were wondering if when leaving Italy what we need to do to prove that we did not buy our equipment there but brought it over from the US. My professor was saying something about duty free items and they might charge us for our equipment if we cant prove it was brought to Italy with us. If you have any information or know who I should contact for this I would greatly appreciate it.

Brittany  

Answer
Dear Brittany,

Before departure you will have to fill out a form (CBP Form 4457-Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad). You can downloaded it at:

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing_goods/certificate_of_regi...

Take the equipment and the sale slips with you to allow the Customs Officer to compare the goods with your declaration.

Since I do not know where you live take a look at:

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/

to find the closest port of entry.

Hope this helps,

Best Regards,

R. Gomes