Declaring Jewelry at POE?

[zentaco 28]

I was wondering how those that have crossed the border have handled declaring the items they were bringing down with them on the little declaration form you get at US Customs? I've spent the day trying to value things, but the one part that's going to be tough is the jewelry because I didn't purchase most of it (gifts). I have a number of necklaces and one of my mother's birks rings.. What's the best thing to do in this situation? I'd rather not go to the store for appraisals as that would be fairly expensive to do..

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I know this is a Canada topic but I didn't declare mine. They're personal property, like clothes. I didn't declare monetary value of those, or my laptop or camera etc

[zentaco 28]

So it's optional then? The declaratiom form makes it sound like they need the value of everything staying in the country, personal or otherwise.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

You're crossing on your visa correct? Moving? You are allowed to import your personal belongings, which would include your jewelry, duty free. No need to value anything. Are you flying or driving? If you're driving no customs forms are needed... not sure about plane travel.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I found this: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/landing-declare-our-goodsstuffs-without-paying-tax-for-the-new-immigrants-t65876.0.html

[zentaco 28]

Flying down.. A bit far of a drive and I can't drive anyway. Pretty sure everyone needs to do the customs declaration form (this one: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/sample_declaration_form.xml). I looked at that thread and it makes things a little more confusing if anything (I might have more than 10k in value in personal items and money (thought not bringing down more than 10k with me) so now I'm more concerned, lol).

Edited August 30, 2012 by zentaco

[dukeandduchess 141]

You shouldn't have to declare your personal items. I didn't when I drove over, I know they give you the form when you fly but I would just write 0 as the value of things staying. Don't know if that's correct or not. Maybe ask one of the customs officials when you get there.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Flying down.. A bit far of a drive and I can't drive anyway. Pretty sure everyone needs to do the customs declaration form (this one: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/sample_declaration_form.xml). I looked at that thread and it makes things a little more confusing if anything (I might have more than 10k in value in personal items and money (thought not bringing down more than 10k with me) so now I'm more concerned, lol).

The 10k rule is for actual currency, not the cumulative value of your personal belongings. So as long as you're not planning on moving with 10k on you, it doesn't apply. Read the CBSA link in that thread. Even if you were doing that, its not something you'd need to pay tax or duty on, you would just need to report it.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Have a list of your personal items with you but don't include valuations - they are not required. You are moving to the US and allowed to bring your personal belongings in with you duty free. Technically these are things that are supposed to have been in your possession for at least a year and I know that the wedding gifts don't quite fit, so make a list of wedding gifts and give an approximate valuation, just in case you are asked. For the rest of your list you can keep it general - one suitcase clothing; one carry case, personal care items, one suitcase files and personal papers, books, etc. then your list of wedding gifts. You could even write that on the form - personal belongings (duty free) .

Edited August 30, 2012 by Kathryn41

[zentaco 28]

Ah, that works. So I guess the valuation is mostly for duties, then? I got duty taxed on my engagement ring when I came back to Canada in 2011 (so much for my fiance trying not to reveal how much he spent on it). I don't have any wedding gifts, and thankfully the things I have that are <1year old is limited (a tanzanite ring, a bit of clothing, and a couple other things). My suitcases have jumbled contents but I can give a general list of stuff I'm bringing. Thanks!

Edited August 30, 2012 by zentaco

[leenas 2]

Hello.

I flew down to florida from canada in june on my K-1. I had 4 big plastic bens with me. On Each of them I taped a piece of paper on which i wrote my name and address where i was going (In case they got lost) and underneath it i made a fast inventory of what was in them. You just need to write in general. ex: cloth, papers, pictures, .... I did try to have a certain order in my bens, and specific items in each (all my papers in one, my clothes in another, ...) You do need to make sure that what ever you put your things in is well closed and that there is no danger of it opening. I waited to speak to someone about the value you need to put down on the form and the man told me to put down 0 cause they were not gifts but my own personnal items. You may want to wait and ask at the airport. You may also want to have a short list that you can carry with you in case they ask you. And yes you are allowed to a full year of bringing your personnal things down duty free. Have a safe trip HOME. :no:

Edited September 2, 2012 by leenas

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Actually, you are allowed up to 10 years - not just a year - after you immigrate to relocate personal items to the US. My father passed away last year - 7 years after I moved to the US - and I was able to bring in items from his Estate and my former family home without paying any duty on them as they were now considered my personal belongings.

[zentaco 28]

Went through the point of entry and they barely even looked at the customs declaration..

The 10 year thing is really nice.

[leenas 2]

Thank you for the info on the 10 years. and im happy to hear that everything went great at the border !!!