The announcement of reciprocal tariffs has caused uproar around the world. While various countries try to strike a deal with Donald Trump’s administration to reduce its tariffs, there are many American photographers who are unhappy with the way things are turning out. Amidst this confusion, there is also the worry of how one who travels abroad ensures that the gear they own is not taxed when they return to the country again. Here is a quick look at the problem flagged on Reddit and the solution.
According to a post on the thread r/photography, a user stated that in the early days, due to tariffs, photographers would register their gear with US customs before they visited abroad for a shoot. However, with newer times, rules have changed slightly, and so, the user questioned: “Now that tariffs are back in force, how do we prove that we already owned the equipment before traveling?” Considering that many young photographers travel abroad for work, it makes sense for one to have a backup ready, just in case they ever have to prove that the gear they carry is their own.
CBP Registration Process
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), travelers can register their gear to avoid tariffs or duty charges when visiting the United States again. One option is to bring their gear to the CPB office prior to departure. The website states that the traveller must fill out Form 4457 to complete the procedure. This includes one’s name and address, description of what is being taken, as well as the owner’s signature.
When the form is completed, the officer in charge will verify what you have written. If the details are correct and match the items, the officer will sign the form and give it to you to show when you return. The form will be valid to reimport your gear, as long as it is with you and is readable. If you lose it, then you will be in trouble. Furthermore, you can’t “transfer” the document to another photographer in need.
Duty-Free Entry
For this to work, there are a few conditions you need to think of:
- You need to declare that your cameras and lenses are for your personal use and not for sale.
- You must keep receipts of sale (a purchase made in the US itself), insurance policies (which would also be from the country), or proof of documentation, such as photographs of the gear before your departure. These are some crucial things you need when you re-enter the country.
- Immigrants can bring personal belongings, including equipment, if they have used the item abroad for at least a year. However, how this will be affected by tariffs needs to be checked with the CPB website.
Use the ATA Carnet
Also known as “Merchandise Passport,” this is an international customs document that allows one to temporarily enter gear on a duty-free and tax-free basis. However, this is best used when you have a whole lot of gear, including various laptops and phones. This is considered somewhat costly as well, with some people preferring to pay 10% tariffs, then go through the whole documentation proceedings.
One can get an ATA Carnet from the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB). To get the document, you will have to deposit money, as required documents, and even get the document for a one-year period. You can also apply for an extension, for about another 12 months, and you can reenter your gear as many times as needed.
These are a few steps that you can take to ensure that your cameras and lenses, especially if they are new, do not land you in trouble. Another tip is to always keep the receipt of your camera with you. If it is really an old device, you can still ask the seller to provide you with a receipt, so that it makes the process easier. Otherwise, you may have to pay.
