Going to states with camera (40D)

[icantread]

I know you have to state that you're bringing it across to avoid problems with paying duties on the way back, but I cant seem to find any concrete documentation on exactly what I need to do to make this easier. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

EDIT

Nevermind, a friend who works at customs was able to help me, incase anyone else was wondering (I found it very hard to google search this :o)

Protecting your valuables

Before travelling outside Canada with valuable items, you may wish to take advantage of a free identification service that is available at all CBSA offices. This service is available for items that have serial numbers or other unique markings. For items that do not have such markings, the CBSA can apply a sticker to them so that they can be identified for customs purposes as goods that are legally in Canada.

When you show your valuables to a border services officer and state that you acquired them in Canada or lawfully imported them, the officer will list your valuables and their serial numbers on a wallet-sized card called a Form Y38, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. If you are questioned about your goods when you return to Canada, show your card to the officer. This will help identify the valuables that were in your possession before leaving the country.


http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s2x2

[Kaitlyn]

Hmm.. never thought about that (I don't cross much I guess, so...)

What would happen if you just went across and WERE questioned on the way back? Is it one of those situations you would have to pay and dispute after the fact, or what?

[Kasakato]

Hmm.. never thought about that (I don't cross much I guess, so...)

What would happen if you just went across and WERE questioned on the way back? Is it one of those situations you would have to pay and dispute after the fact, or what?

If you cant identify it was with you coming out of Canada, and they are questioning it, you will have to pay duties and tax on it. They conduct interviews (CSI style), and have a special database. If it was a legitimate dispute, you do eventually get your money back.

[Blackmajik]

Wouldn't it be easier to bring a receipt(s) with you instead which should have the serial numbers and date of purchase?

[SENSEI]

It's 40D...

The camera has been discontinued, it values $700 on the used market and I'm sure you're NOT going to have boxes, manuals with you when coming back across the border.

The chances you will be flagged or questioned are extremely small.

I have a Y38 filled in for my equipment and have even traveled to the US and Europ to work (having to bring all my gear for weeks at a time). Never have I been asked to produce any documentation or asked about the equipment. the one I was asked was when I didn't have any pro gear, but a P&S when returning from Asia. Go figure....

[CSAgent]

I've traveled with my full gear ($2500 worth of bodies, several lens in the L range and regular, Speedlites, accessories) to Asia, East/West Coast states in the US, never ever a problem. I even had a laptop in the bag. Both by road and by air across the border(s).

Some of you are a little bit paranoid to think you're going to get hassled for this. It's just additional stress you do not need when traveling.

[Kasakato]

I'm going to assume none of you have been selected for secondary inspection. I had a family member come up from the states after a four day trip, and they were "randomly" selected. The CBSA took everything out of their car, placed it in a trolley, and asked everyone to claim what was there's. Anything that was potentially purchased abroad but not declared was investigated.

[icantread]

It's 40D...

The camera has been discontinued, it values $700 on the used market and I'm sure you're NOT going to have boxes, manuals with you when coming back across the border.

The chances you will be flagged or questioned are extremely small.

I have a Y38 filled in for my equipment and have even traveled to the US and Europ to work (having to bring all my gear for weeks at a time). Never have I been asked to produce any documentation or asked about the equipment. the one I was asked was when I didn't have any pro gear, but a P&S when returning from Asia. Go figure....

Well it's still a good that can be purchased quite easily (best buy, future shop still sell them) and border guards aren't exactly photography experts...

Either way I'd prefer to be safe, it wasn't a huge deal to stop off at the CBSa on my way down south :cheesygri

[budfrogs]

The card you get is a green card! We usually get them for our bikes and a couple of other high-valuable items.

It is good to get them for things (the next time you take them over) that you buy in the US and bring back but do not get pulled over to pay taxes on.

Many of the things purchased in Canada will have french and english on it so it is usually fairly easy to tell if it is from Canada. Although that doesn't work for camera equipment.

If you are going to do it for all your camera equipment take it all in 1 chunk! The cards can not be added to later so if you do it piece-meal you will have a bunch of cardboard cards that don't fit in your wallet.

(In Fort Erie you can get them at the boarder without committing to go over. ie in the building from the street.)