Personal Effects

Before you leave the US to live abroad,  it would be wise to talk to a customs broker. You may need to declare certain articles to Customs when you leave, so that you will not be subject to duty for these items upon your return. This does not include the clothes you are taking in your baggage. 

If you have spent more than a year away from the US, and are coming back with household goods you purchased while overseas, your personal effects may qualify for duty free status, and a formal entry may not be required. Customs will ask for proof that you owned the items for more than 1 year, and will want the items declared on a Form 3299. This form asks for detailed information about both travel arrangements- the shipment of the personal possessions and your return trip, and it will ask you to detail the personal belongings you are bringing back. Once you have completed and signed the form, you may email it to us at info@jeanduncan.com or  fax it to us at 001.404.767.0016

Returning US military personnel stationed overseas will also need to fill out Form 3299 upon their return, however their personal belongings are usually unconditionally duty free.

In all cases, whether you are leaving or returning for extended periods of time, your customs broker is best qualified to assist you with personal possessions. Be sure to call one today at 001.404.766.0207 !