UK -> USA and back... tax, vat, customs issues?

[The Beatsmith]

Hi guys

When travelling to and from the usa, from the uk, what is the situation with customs?

If i take a load of gear over there, and then leave, how do they know if i bought it in the usa or not?

If i take my g5 over to the states, for sake of argument, and then come back to the uk, will they try to get me to pay VAT on it again?!

I am confused as to how it works. I haven't ever travelled with gear before. I don't see how they can know what was bought in the usa and what is yours.

Thanks

Edd

[Roland]

Originally Posted by The Beatsmith

Hi guys

When travelling to and from the usa, from the uk, what is the situation with customs?

If i take a load of gear over there, and then leave, how do they know if i bought it in the usa or not?

If i take my g5 over to the states, for sake of argument, and then come back to the uk, will they try to get me to pay VAT on it again?!

I am confused as to how it works. I haven't ever travelled with gear before. I don't see how they can know what was bought in the usa and what is yours.

Thanks

Edd

I'm assuming it is the same for you as it is for us when we travel outside the EU. In these cases you have to fill out a customs declaration noting down any large or expensive items you are bringing into the country, basically almost like a receipt and at the end of your stay you present that so they know that you are entitled to take it out with you. Of course if you leave it here (read sell it whilst you are over) you are breaking the law and the custom's men are entitled to take you into a small room and probe your bottom, so I recommned that you don't p*ss them off!

Regards


Roland

[mpdonahue]

Edd,
When we travel to other countries to work we use a document called an ATA Carnet.
This is a customs document that lists all the materials to be exported and reimported. You need to supply a bond for the value of the equipment when obtaining the Carnet.
This attached document will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the carnet.
All the best,
-mark

[klaukholm]

You shoud get a carnet in both ends. One for leaving britain to avoid paying vat and customs on the return trip. You then need to show that carnet to US customs and they will either make a new one or register the existing british carnet. This one you show when you leave the US to avoid paying tax and customs there.

Remember you could get hit in both ends on this so get the documents.

[mpdonahue]

Originally Posted by klaukholm

You shoud get a carnet in both ends. One for leaving britain to avoid paying vat and customs on the return trip. You then need to show that carnet to US customs and they will either make a new one or register the existing british carnet. This one you show when you leave the US to avoid paying tax and customs there.

Remember you could get hit in both ends on this so get the documents.

AFAIK you only need one carnet. It contains 4 counterfoils for each trip:
1 Export from country of origin
2 Import to country of destination
3 Re-export from country of destination
3 Re-import to country of origin
We've traveled all over the world and have never had any issues, other than the rookie customs agent that has never seen a Carnet before. The carnet is valid for one year from its issue date, so if you intend to travel with the same kit of gear, make sure to get extra copies of each counterfoil. It's pretty cheap to get them when you get the Carnet, and a real hassle to order them after the fact.
The one thing to think about is the values you assign to the things on the Carnet. Remember you need to pay a bond that amounts to 1% of the total value of the goods. We normally only value the equipment based on the insurance deductable if lost, not on actual value. Also, this limits the Duty liability if the equipment is lost or stolen while abroad.
You should check with your insurance supplier to make sure that your equipment is insured while traveling abroad.
All the best,
Mark

[chadly]

What you need to do somewhat depends on why your going over there and for how long.

The last remote I did in europe I filled out a 4457 with customs before I left. (7 mics, micpres, digi002R- all of which I carried on the plane) and didn't have a problem. If it's a short trip and you're taking everything with you, I think a 4457 will do. The form acts as a "bill of sale" of sorts; it confirms that you had it in the US and as such, it's exempt from duty.

If you're entering on a work visa, are moving a whole studios worth of gear, or have to ship the gear seperately, you might want to go the route described above.

Form 4457:
http://www.customs.gov/linkhandler/c...t/cbp_4457.pdf

Best of luck!

ps. this is my own experience. I'm no expert on international customs- just wanted to provide you with what I did.

EDIT: I just realized this was UK to US, not the other way around. Ignore the above. I'm leaving it to help other Americans going abroad!

[klaukholm]

It can vary from country to country. I would in either case be sure to check in with customs in both countries on your way from the UK. They will guide you to the right paperwork.

[The Beatsmith]

Thanks for the info guys. It's a bit overwhelming, so much to learn and take it to try to make sure everything is done correctly. I'm a little bewildered.

I am going to be going over to the USA for a year, starting november - if that makes any difference.

I'm really struggling to find an economical way of transporting my gear (only a few items - computer, screen, control surface, keyboard - that's it) over there - and back a year later.

Many thanks

[klaukholm]

You have to be careful with a full year duration. As I recall it you have to return within a year or it will be considered exported from the EU. You should make a trip to the customs office and present your situation long in advance of the trip.

kindest,
Kjetil

[Remoteness]

You folks rawk!

Excellent resource!

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by mpdonahue

Edd,
When we travel to other countries to work we use a document called an ATA Carnet.
This is a customs document that lists all the materials to be exported and reimported. You need to supply a bond for the value of the equipment when obtaining the Carnet.
This attached document will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the carnet.
All the best,
-mark

I hope you don't mind.

I added the above attached document to the Beginner's Guide at the top of this forum.

The Five components to a successful location recording (The Beginners Guide)

Very cool find Markness!