This time we’ll go through all the important information you have to be acquainted with in order to prepare for your international move from BC, Canada to the US. Moving abroad is always thrilling and exciting.
First thing you should do is to create a moving checklist. There is a lot of paperwork to be done, so since you will be doing many other things at the same time, you have to be sure everything is going as scheduled. Write down each moving related task and set deadlines.
Moving to the USA – Rules and Customs
If you are moving to US, consider that there are some rules and regulations imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Department of Homeland Security that you have to comply with. In order to ship and import your belongings, you have to meet Customs’ requirements. You can locate your port of entry and ask for further information there.
Moving Household Items
If you are taking your furniture and other personal belongings, consider that furniture, dishes, artwork and similar household items for personal use are free of duty, only if the items have been in a possession of your household for at least one year.
Household effects designated to duty-free entry don’t need to accompany you during your move to the United States. You can have them transported to your U.S. address later. Your shipment of household goods must be cleared through Customs at its first port of arrival. You can ask your freight forwarder if he can arrange to have your effects sent in Customs custody in-bond from the port of arrival to another, more convenient port for clearance.
If you ship your belongings separately, know that Customs won’t send you notice for the arrival of the shipment. It’s responsibility of the shipper to notify you. After the arrival of the shipment you have 15 days to appear to clear your shipment. You have to fill in the CBP Form 3299 “Declaration For Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles” and the CBP Form 6059B.
Moving to USA and Shipping a Car
Foreign-made cars (new or used) imported into the USA, whether for personal use, or for sale, are subject to tax – 2.5%. Duty rates may change on an annual basis. In order to import your car yourself, the vehicle must meet certain emission and safety standards. For Customs clearance, you will need all the documents covering your car, and you will have to fill in EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7.
Moving to USA – Customs
In order to import your household items, you have to justify all the US Custom Border Protection Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations.
If your car doesn’t meet certain emission standards, you have to import it through an Independent Commercial Importer. After your car is modified to justify EPA requirements, you will be allowed to import it. Mind that ICI’s fees are quite higher.
Another case is when your car doesn’t meet some safety standards imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If this happens, you’ll have to pay DOT-registered importer to modify your car, so you will be allowed to import it.
Moving to USA – Taxes
You can import free of duty and internal revenue tax, up to one liter of alcoholic beverage – beer, wine, liquor – for personal use. Quantities above this limitation are subject to duty and internal revenue tax.
You can also take not more than 200 cigarettes (one carton), 50 cigars or 4.4 lbs. of smoking tobacco. Cigars of Cuban origin are prohibited.
Firearms and ammunition are subject to certain restrictions and import permits. Mainly, firearms and ammunition may be imported, but only under permit. For further information, write to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Department of the Treasury, Firearms and Explosives Import.
International Movers
In order to guarantee yourself a safe and smooth trip, you have to find a reliable international relocation company.
Under federal law, moving companies must be licensed or registered with the Federal Maritime Commission. They have to either be a freight forwarder or non-vessel-operating common carrier, according to their registration with the commission. If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of your chosen company, check their license number here. Take your time to research your potential mover well. Of course you want to save money, but it is inexcusable to save money at the cost of quality. Don’t forget that the moving company that you choose will be responsible for overseeing, and financially dealing with trucking companies, storage facilities and other ocean transportation intermediaries within the whole international move process. Choose your international movers wisely.
Cost of Moving to the United States of America
Your international moving-to-USA cost will be based on the weight and volume (overseas) of the shipment. Mind that most international movers have minimum charge for about 200 c.f.
Packing labor and packing materials are charged separately. Full service packing of a two bedroom home would cost you around $1000 – $1200. Whether it is an overseas or air shipping, minimize your shipment to the lowest possible.
International Moving Insurance for USA
Usually insurance price is about 2-3.5% of the declared value of the inventory. When obtaining insurance, look through the insurance policy your international mover is offering to you. If there is something you do not understand thoroughly, just ask. Another option for you is to obtain insurance from a third party provider. Mind that most insurance providers will require from you to opt for professional packing services.
Original source: https://www.mymovingreviews.com
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