Some Helpful Links:

• Moving From Canada to the United States
• Free Entry of Household Goods & Personal Effects
• What Happens When Your Possessions arrive in the United States?
• Importing a Motor Vehicle into The United States
• Importing Firearms
• Importing Household Plants
• Importing Alcohol and Tobacco
• Importing Pets into the United States
• Useful Contacts
• Useful Numbers

Moving From Canada to The United States

Free Entry of Household Goods & Personal Effect

Relocating from Canada to the United States is a relatively straightforward process, providing all of the necessary documentation is properly completed. Your personal household goods and personal effects are permitted to enter duty-free providing they have been in your possession and used by you for at least one year.

Goods that don't meet this criterion are subject to assessed duty, which ranges from 2% to 25%. These percentages are subject to change, so you should check with the nearest U.S. Consulate office to obtain the current rates of duty.

One cautionary note - if you do not declare new items or understate the value of the items, U.S. Customs can confiscate the items, assess actual duty and assign a monetary penalty. Therefore, if you are considering making purchases of expensive items, prior to your move, you may want to compare the cost to actually making your purchase in the United States.

Antiques must be 100 years or older to be eligible for duty-free entry. Customs will require that you prove this, so be prepared to furnish a receipt or an appraisal. You will be required to complete the United State's Treasury Form #3299 (Declaration of Free Entry of Articles Not Accompanying a Resident or Non-resident)

Household Effects and Tools of Trade or Occupation are defined by the U.S. Government as:

• All Furniture
• Carpets
• Paintings
• Tableware Linens
• And similar household furnishings

While it is not normal practice to charge duty on used personal items, technically some items such as jewelry, photographic equipment, vehicles, consumable articles etc. may, be dutiable. You should check with the nearest U.S. Consulate in your Canadian city for specific information. If you are already in the United States, contact your nearest Customs Office listed in U.S. telephone directories under U.S. Government Offices, Treasury Department.