Shipments into the United States are typically subject to import fees, duty fees, and often California use tax. In order to avoid fees when shipping your equipment from another country, please look over the following information. Please note that this is not legal guidance, for more information regarding shipping temporarily to the United States please look at Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) or contact your home country’s trade administration.
The necessary documentation is as follows:
An ATA Carnet from your home country. This is a document for “temporary imports” into another country and should be submitted with anything shipped into the country This document allows you to forgo import fees with the caveat that anything that got shipped in must be shipped out within a year. If your country does not support carnets, it is advised to check with a freight forwarder or see what other options your country provides for duty-free importation.
A bill of lading. This should include all of the items and their prices for what you are shipping. Make sure to keep your receipts for purchases throughout the year to make this process smoother.
File your documentation as necessary when shipping and keep a copy of all of your documentation in a folder or binder to present to U.S. customs upon entry of the team into the United States.
Here are some useful links to assist:
Customs & Border Protection Carnet FAQs:
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/ata-carnet-faqs
trade.gov Carnet FAQs:
https://www.trade.gov/ata-carnet
Participating countries for carnets:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries