Sending Items Back To The United States

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Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.

How to Send Items Back to the United States

Summary:

Returning from an overseas trip with too many souvenirs? Here's a guide on how to send your items back to the United States without bringing them in your luggage.

U.S. Mail Shipments

Shipping via U.S. mail, including parcel post, is an economical choice. The Postal Service sends all international mail to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for inspection. Packages without required duties are returned to the Postal Service for local post office delivery without extra costs.

Packages containing agricultural items are checked to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. If necessary, CBP will include a Mail Interception Notice and return the package for delivery.

If a duty is required, CBP will attach a CBP Form 3419 indicating the duty and a $5 processing fee. The post office may also charge a small handling fee upon delivery.

Commercial Goods:
Items for resale may require special entry requirements and formal entries, which necessitate additional paperwork. Generally, informal entries are for personal or commercial items valued under $2,000. Formal entries can only be prepared by you or a licensed customs broker.

To dispute a duty charge, you have two options:

1. Accept the package, pay the duty, and file a protest with a letter and the CBP Form 3419 to the CBP office.
2. Refuse the package and send a protest letter to the post office where it’s held. They will forward it to CBP, holding your package until resolved.

Express Shipments

Packages can be sent by private courier services, which handle customs clearance for a fee?"sometimes higher than expected.

Freight Shipments

All cargo, whether dutiable or not, must clear customs at the first U.S. port of arrival. You may request forwarding to another port for clearance. Arrange for customs clearance either personally or through an appointed representative.

Finding a Broker:
- Search the Yellow Pages under "Customs Brokers"
- Look online for "Customs Brokers"
- Visit the CBP website for a list of brokers by state and city

A third-party broker will charge a fee for their services, which is not a CBP charge.

Additional Considerations

If you can't personally secure your goods’ release, authorize someone to act on your behalf with a letter to the CBP Officer in Charge at the port of entry. This is applicable for noncommercial shipments under $2,000 not requiring a formal entry.

Your carrier is responsible for notifying you upon your shipment's arrival. Ensure clearance within 15 days to avoid storage fees.

You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Sending Items Back To The United States.