Importing Hamer USA into USA

[Michael_B]

I'm trying to figure out the major rules that would relevant to importing an Artist Ultimate back into the USA.

The big question is Lacey Act compliance. I've called and been bounced around several federal offices and still haven't been able to talk with anyone knowledgeable. What do I need to watch out for? What documentation do I need to provide?

And I've seen some conflicting info on the next one: Am I correct in understanding that a USA made guitar would be exempt from import duties?

Thanks for any help on this.

[Armitage]

If you want to bring equipment back and forth you need a Customs Form Y38... that even includes your camera and laptop if they want to hold you to the letter. And sometimes they do. That shows you owned it before you left, you had customs check it out and write down the serial number, so you can bring it back.

"That's my camera, I got it for X-Mas last year..."

"Looks new.."

"Well I don't use it much..."

"But you're still paying the tax on it, or you can leave it here"

"But it really IS mine!"

"And you really ARE paying the taxes on it!"

Everyone thinks they can fool customs guys, but they're trained professionals who do this everyday for a living. 9 out of the 10 times you thought you got away with something, the guy probably knew you were lying, but thought it was small enough he didn't want to bother.

[Michael_B]

Thanks for the tip on that. I haven't traveled internationally in decades. Back then, it was all a big joke. Reminds me of the time I brought weed through JFK....

It wasn't anything like the serious border controls we have today, I guess.

[TheDan]

Thanks for the tip on that. I haven't traveled internationally in decades. Back then, it was all a big joke. Reminds me of the time I brought weed through JFK....

It wasn't anything like the serious border controls we have today, I guess.

The first time I travelled from Europe to the US in 98 I brought my beloved Chappy along, in the OHSC. When I entered the plane I asked if it could be stored someplace safe so it wouldn't break. The pilot overheard the conversation and took the guitar and put it in the cockpit! "No place safer than that" he replied...

Times have indeed changed.

[Disturber]

As it turns out, a close friend will be in Europe, in a few weeks. If I were able to arrange for him to receive the guitar, would it be a realistic plan for him to carry it back with him and claim to both outbound and inbound customs that it was something that he had brought over with him? Or would there ordinarily be accompanying control documentation if he had truly taken the guitar with him to Europe?

If you worry, just have him bring over the cheapest guitar you can find in a gig back and leave it here (in Europe), and bring the Hamer back.

I have brought some guitars with me from the US to Europe. And one guitar from Europe to the US, that I sold there. Never had any problems walking through customs with the guitars. If they ask, I'm just a guy who brings a guitar so I can jam with my friends.

[Michael_B]

Wiley.

[Tres Aardvarks]

I brought a guitar along on a business trip to Canada. That made for an interesting conversation with Canadian customs. "No really, I'm a consulting engineer who brings guitars along when I travel...no I'm not playing a gig, I practice in the hotel room after work...seriously"...