Moving to the USA

Security concerns have become a major priority in recent years with the importation of used household goods and personal effects.  Accurate and fully completed documentation is an absolute requirement.  And, with very few exceptions, household goods shipments go through a customs examination upon arrival.  There are costs associated with that inspection and the total amount is not known in advance with the final price dependent upon the extent of the inspection.

Prior to any ocean shipment departing for the continental USA, an Importer Security Filing (ISF) must be lodged by the export forwarder forty-eight hours prior to the sailing.  The ISF is submitted to U.S. Customs as a pre-alert of the shipment and its status.

The owner of the goods must be in the USA when the shipment arrives in order for the customs broker to submit documentation customs.  Documents required include Customs form 3299; Supplemental form; copy of passport, current visa if importer is not a U.S. citizen, power of attorney form signed to permit the broker to submit documents in behalf of the importer.   We will submit all documentation, including the required packing list to our assigned customs clearing agent.

All wine being shipped with household goods must have a detailed listing noting the name, type, volume and price.  In some states, a local wine distributor must be contracted to be the intermediary.  In other states a tax is imposed but not in all states.  WWS will oversea the process and keep you informed.

When bringing a vehicle to the USA it should be one that is in conformance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules.  Otherwise, the cost to meet conformance is prohibitive and can exceed the actual value of the vehicle.  Any vehicle can be imported for a period of one year if the owner declares to be a visitor.  At the end of that year the vehicle must be shipped back.

When moving to the USA it is important any garden tools or outside items be thoroughly washed and cleaned prior to shipping.  Other than the standard U.S. Customs examination, U.S. Department of Agriculture has the option to also inspect the shipment if there is suspicion of foreign soil being brought in on various items.

Wickman Worldwide Services can answer any questions or concerns regarding documentation or the various government restrictions.