This time we’ll go through all the important information you have to be acquainted with in order to prepare your international move to the US. You’d better start organizing your international relocation as soon as you work out your visa. Moving abroad is always thrilling and exciting.
Now that you will be exploring a whole new world, and well when we are talking about the USA, you definitely must be overwhelmed. The most wanted place to live in in the whole world – the US can offer you everything – from the busy streets and city lights, to the great countryside and nature. Boundless opportunities will be waiting for you to take advantage of. So, there’s no time to waste. Your preparation must start at least a month before the actual move.
First thing you should do is to create a moving checklist. Yes, don’t make me say it twice. 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 relocation 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 furnishing 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.
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.
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