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发信人: sunxt (天天＃天天上网天天等奖的天天), 信区: AdvancedEdu
标  题: Know Before You Go(2)
发信站: BBS 水木清华站 (Sun Apr 26 13:06:27 1998) WWW-POST

Prohibited and Restricted Articles

Because Customs inspectors are stationed at ports of entry and along our
land and sea borders, they are often called upon to enforce laws and
requirements of other Government agencies. This is done to protect
community health, preserve domestic plant and animal life, and for other
reasons.

Certain articles considered injurious or detrimental to the general welfare
of the United States are prohibited entry by law. Among these are: lottery
tickets, narcotics and dangerous drugs, obscene articles and publications,
seditious and treasonable materials, hazardous articles (e.g., fire- works,
dangerous toys, toxic or poisonous substances), and switchblade knives
(however, a one-armed person may import a switchblade knife for personal
use, if the blade is 3 inches in length or less.)

Other items must meet special requirements before they can be released. You
will be given a receipt for any articles retained by Customs.

Artifacts/Cultural Property (Objects/Artifacts)

U.S. law prohibits the importation of pre-Columbian monumental and
architectural sculpture and murals from certain countries in Central and
South America without proper export permits. These importations are
restricted no matter where the artifacts are shipped from, be it the
country of origin or elsewhere.

Federal law and international treaties prohibit the importation of any
articles of stolen cultural property from museums, religious, or secular
public monuments. Would-be buyers of such property should be aware that,
unlike purchases of customary tourist merchandise, purchases of cultural
objects do not confer ownership should such an object be found to be
stolen. Imports of certain archeological and ethnographic material (e.g.,
masks or textiles) from Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, and Mali are
restricted and require export certificates from the country of origin.
Purveyors of such merchandise have been known to offer phony export
certificates, and again, prospective buyers should be aware that Customs
inspectors are expert at spotting fraudulent export certificates that
accompany cultural property. Additional restrictions are expected to be
imposed on material from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central
America. These restrictions are aimed at providing international access to
cultural objects to all members of the public for legitimate scientific,
cultural, and educational purposes. For more information, contact the
United States Information Agency, Washington, D.C., (202) 619-6612.

Automobiles

Automobiles imported into the United States must conform to Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) emission requirements and Department of
Transportation (DOT) safety, bumper and theft prevention standards. See
Customs pamphlet "Importing a Car" and "Pleasure Boats".

Almost all automobiles purchased overseas do not comply with U.S. standards
and will require modification. Vehicles imported conditionally for
modification to U.S. specifications, and not modified, or are not modified
acceptably, must either be exported or destroyed under Customs supervision.

Also, vehicles that were originally manufactured to meet EPA emission
requirements may, depending upon what countries the car was driven in, be
subject to additional EPA requirements or require a bond upon entry. You
are advised to call the EPA for further assistance.

Information on importing vehicles may be obtained from the Environmental
Protection Agency, Attn: 6405J, Washington, D.C. 20460, telephone (202)
233-9660, and the Department of Transportation, Office of Vehicle Safety
Compliance (NEF 32), Washington, D.C. 20590. Copies of the Customs pamphlet
Importing a Car and EPA's Automotive Imports Fact Manual may be obtained by
writing, respectively, the U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington,
D.C. 20044, or the Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 20460.

Biological Materials

Biological materials of public health or veterinary importance (disease
organisms and vectors for research and educational purposes) require import
permits. Write to the Foreign Quarantine Program, U.S. Public Health
Service, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA. 30333.

Books, Video Tapes, Computer Programs and Cassettes

Pirated copies of copyrighted articles - unlawfully made articles produced
without the authorization of the copyright owner - are prohibited from
importation into the United States. Pirated copies may be seized and
destroyed.

Trademarked Articles

Foreign-made trademarked articles may be limited as to the quantity which
may be brought into the United States if the registered trademark has been
recorded with Customs by an American trademark owner.

The types of articles usually of interest to tourists are 1) lenses,
cameras, binoculars, optical goods; 2) tape recorders, musical instruments;
3) jewelry, precious metal-ware; 4) perfumes; 5) watches, clocks.

Persons arriving in the United States with a trademarked article are
allowed an exemption, usually one article of a type bearing a protected
trademark. An exempted trademark article must accompany you, and you can
claim this exemption for the same type of article only once each 30 days.
The article must be for your personal use and not for sale. If an exempted
article is sold within one year following importation, the article or its
value is subject to forfeiture.

If the trademark owner allows a quantity in excess of the aforementioned
exemption for its particular trademarked article, the total of those
trademarked articles authorized may be entered. Articles bearing
counterfeit trademarks, if the amount of such articles exceeds the
traveler's personal exemption, are subject to seizure and forfeiture.

Ceramic Tableware Some ceramic tableware sold abroad contains dangerous
levels of lead in the glaze that can leach into certain foods and beverages
served in them. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic
tableware, especially when purchased in Mexico, China, Hong Kong or India,
be tested for lead release on your return or be used for decorative
purposes only.

Drug Paraphernalia

The importation, exportation, manufacture, sale, and transportation of drug
paraphernalia are prohibited. Persons convicted of these offenses are
subject to fines and imprisonment. As importations contrary to law, drug
paraphernalia may be seized by U.S. Customs.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are subject to restrictions and import permits
approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Applications
to import may be made only by or through a licensed importer, dealer, or
manufacturer. Weapons, ammunition, or other devices prohibited by the
National Firearms Act will not be admitted into the United States unless
specifically authorized by ATF.

No import permit is required when it is proven that the firearms or
ammunition were previously taken out of the United States by the person who
is returning with such firearms or ammunition. To facilitate reentry,
persons may have them registered before departing from the United States at
any Customs office or ATF field office. Exports are subject to the export
licensing requirements of the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department
of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (703) 875-6644.

For further information on imports, contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco
and Firearms, Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20226, (202)
927-8320.

Residents of the United States carrying firearms or ammunition with them to
other countries should consult in advance the Customs officials or the
respective embassies of those countries as to their regulations.

Fish and Wildlife Fish and wildlife are subject to certain import and
export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, and quarantine
requirements. This includes:

   * Wild birds, mammals including marine mammals, reptiles, crustaceans,
     fish, and mollusks and invertebrates.
   * Any part or product, such as skins, feathers, eggs.
   * Products and articles manufactured from wildlife and fish.

Endangered species of wildlife and products made from them are generally
prohibited from being imported or exported. All ivory and ivory products
made from elephant or marine mammal ivory are also generally prohibited
from being imported. Antiques containing wildlife parts may be imported if
accompanied by documentation proving that they are at least 100 years old.
(Certain other requirements for antiques may apply.) If you contemplate
purchasing articles made from wildlife, such as tortoise shell jewelry,
leather goods, or other articles made from whalebone, ivory, skins, or fur,
please contact - before you go - the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Division of Law Enforcement, P.O. Box 3247, Arlington, Va. 22203-3247.
Information on the limit for migratory game birds for import and export can
also be obtained from this office. Ask for their pamphlet "Facts About
Federal Wildlife Laws."

If you plan to import fish or wildlife, or any product, article or part,
check with Customs or the Fish and Wildlife Service first, as only certain
ports are designated to handle these entries. Additional information is
contained in our leaflet "Pets and Wildlife", U.S. Customs.

Federal regulations do not authorize the importation of any wildlife or
fish into any state of the United States if the state's laws or regulations
are more restrictive than any applicable Federal treatment. Wild animals
taken, killed, sold, possessed, or exported to the United States in
violation of any foreign laws are not allowed entry into the United States.

Hunting Trophies

If you plan to import a hunting trophy or game, check with the Fish and
Wildlife Service first. Such items generally require a Fish and Wildlife
license and only certain ports are designated to handle these entries.
Trophies may also be subject to an inspection by APHIS for sanitary
purposes. General guidelines for importing trophies may be found in their
publication: "Traveler's Tips."

Warning: There are many different regulations governing the importation of
animals and animal parts. Failure to comply could result in extensive and
expensive delays in clearing your trophy through Customs.

In addition, federal regulations do not authorize the importation of any
wildlife or fish into any state of the United States if the state's laws or
regulations are more restrictive than any applicable Federal treatment.
Wild animals taken, killed, sold, possessed, or exported to the United
States in violation of any foreign laws are not allowed entry into the
United States.

Food Products

Bakery items and all cured cheeses are admissible. The USDA Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service leaflet, "Traveler's Tips," provides
detailed information on bringing food, plant, and animal products into the
United States. Imported foods are also subject to requirements of the Food
and Drug Administration.

Fruits and Vegetables

Most fruits and vegetables are either prohibited from entering the country
or require an import permit. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to
the Customs officer and must be presented for inspection, no matter how
free of pests it appears to be. Most canned or processed items are
admissible.

Applications for import permits or requests for information should be
addressed to Quarantines, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Federal Bldg., Hyattsville, Md.
20782, or call (301) 734-8645.

Meats, Livestock, Poultry

Meats, livestock, poultry, and their by-products (such as ham,
frankfurters, sausage, pate), are either prohibited or restricted from
entering the United States, depending on the animal disease condition in
country of origin. Fresh meat is generally prohibited from most countries.
Canned meat is permitted if the inspector can determine that it is
commercially canned, cooked in the container, hermetically sealed, and can
be kept without refrigeration. Other canned, cured, or dried meat is
severely restricted from most countries.

You should contact USDA-APHIS-VS, Federal Building, 6506 Belcrest Road,
Hyattsville, Maryland 20782, for detailed requirements or call (301)
734-7830.

Plants

Plants, cuttings, seeds, unprocessed plant products and certain endangered
species either require an import permit or are prohibited from entering the
United States. Endangered or threatened species of plants and plant
products, if importation is not prohibited, will require an export permit
from the country of origin. Every single plant or plant product must be
declared to the Customs officer and must be presented for inspection, no
matter how free of pests it appears to be. Applications for import permits
or requests for information should be addressed to: Quarantines,
USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Federal Building, Room 632, 6505 Belcrest Road,
Hyattsville, Md. 20782, (301) 734-8645.

Gold

Gold coins, medals, and bullion, formerly prohibited, may be brought into
the United States. However, under regulations administered by the Office of
Foreign Assets Control, such items originating in or brought from Cuba,
Iran, Iraq, Libya, and North Korea are prohibited entry. Copies of gold
coins are prohibited if not properly marked by country of issuance.

Medicine/Narcotics

Narcotics and dangerous drugs, including anabolic steroids, are prohibited
entry and there are severe penalties if imported. A traveler requiring
medicines containing habit-forming drugs or narcotics (e.g., cough
medicines, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills,
antidepressants, stimulants, etc.) should:

   * Have all drugs, medicinals and similar products properly identified;
   * Carry only such quantity as might normally be carried by an individual
     having some sort of health problem;
   * Have either a prescription or written statement from your personal
     physician that the medicinals are being used under a doctor's
     direction and are necessary for your physical well-being while
     traveling.
   * Guideline for carrying Prescription Medicines/Drugs

Warning

The Food and Drug Administration prohibits the importation, by mail or in
person, of fraudulent prescription and non-prescription drugs and medical
devices. These may include unorthodox "cures" for medical conditions
including cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. While these drugs and
devices may be completely legal elsewhere, they may not have been approved
for use in the United States, even under a prescription issued by a foreign
physician. They may not legally enter the United States and may be
confiscated.

For additional information, contact your nearest FDA office or write:

     Food and Drug Administration
     Division of Import Operations and Policy
     Room 12-8 (HFC-170)
     5600 Fishers Lane
     Rockville, MD 20857

Merchandise from Embargoed Countries

The importation of goods from the following countries is generally
prohibited under regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets
Control: Cuba, North Korea, Libya, Iraq and Iran.

These restrictions do not apply to informational materials such as
pamphlets, books, tapes, films or recordings.

Specific licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control are required to
bring prohibited merchandise into the United States, but they are rarely
granted. Foreign visitors to the United States may be permitted to bring in
small articles for personal use as accompanied baggage, depending upon the
goods' country of origin.

Travelers should be aware of certain travel restrictions that may apply to
these countries. Because of the strict enforcement of these prohibitions,
those anticipating foreign travel to any of the countries listed above
would do well to write in advance to the Office of Foreign Assets Control,
Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20220, U.S.A.

Money and Other Monetary Instruments

There is no limit on the total amount of monetary instruments which may be
brought into or taken out of the United States nor is it illegal to do so.
However, if you transport or cause to be transported (including by mail or
other means) more than $10,000 in monetary instruments on any occasion into
or out of the United States, or if you receive more than that amount, you
must file a report (Customs Form 4790) with U.S. Customs (Currency &
Foreign Transactions Reporting Act, 31 U.S.C. 1101, et seq.). Failure to
comply can result in civil, criminal and/or forfeiture penalties. Monetary
instruments include U.S. or foreign coin in current circulation, currency,
traveler's checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or
investment securities in bearer form.

Pets

There are controls, restrictions, and prohibitions on entry of animals,
birds, turtles, wildlife, and endangered species.

   * Cats must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to man when
     examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good
     health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required
     at the expense of the owner.
   * Dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to man. Dogs,
     except those less than 3 months of age, must be vaccinated against
     rabies not less than 30 days prior to arrival. A valid rabies
     vaccination certificate must accompany the animal. This certificate
     should identify the animal, specify the date of vaccination, date of
     expiration, and bear the signature of a licensed veterinarian. If no
     date of expiration is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the
     date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of
     arrival. Vaccination against rabies is not required for dogs arriving
     from rabies-free countries.
   * Personally-owned pet birds may be entered (limit of two if of the
     psittacine family), but APHIS and Public Health Service requirements
     must be met, including quarantine at any APHIS facility at specified
     locations, at the owner's expense. Advance reservations are required.
   * Non-human primates such as monkeys, apes and similar animals may not
     be imported.

If you plan to take your pet abroad or import one on your return, obtain a
copy of our leaflet, "Pets and Wildlife," U.S. Customs.

You should check with state, county and municipal authorities about any
restrictions and prohibitions they may have before importing a pet.

Textiles

Textile and apparel items which accompany you and which you have acquired
abroad for personal use or as gifts are generally not subject to
quantitative restrictions. However, unaccompanied textile and apparel items
may be subject to certain quantitative restrictions (quotas) which require
a document called a "visa" or "export license" or exempt certificate as
appropriate from the country of production. Check with Customs before you
depart on your trip.

Customs Pointers

Traveling Back and Forth Across Border

After you have crossed the United States boundary at one point and you
swing back into the United States to travel to another point in the foreign
country, you run the risk of losing your Customs exemption unless you meet
certain requirements. If you make a "swing back," don't risk your
exemptions - ask the nearest Customs officer about these requirements.

"Duty-Free" Shops

Articles bought in "duty-free" shops in foreign countries are subject to U.
S. Customs duty and restrictions but may be included in your personal
exemption.

Articles purchased in U.S. "duty-free" shops are subject to U.S. Customs
duty if reentered into the United States. Example: Liquor bought in a
"duty-free" shop before entering Canada and brought back into the United
States may be subject to duty and Internal Revenue Tax.

Note: Many travelers are confused by the term "duty-free" as it relates to
shops. Articles sold in duty-free shops are free of duty and taxes only for
the country in which that shop is located. Articles sold in duty-free shops
are intended for export and are not to be returned to the country of
purchase. So if your purchases exceed your personal exemption, that item
may be subject to duty. Articles acquired in a U.S. duty free shop before
you left the United States, may be included in your exemption.

Keep Your Sales Slips

You will find your sales slips, invoices, or other evidence of purchase not
only helpful when making out your declaration, but necessary if you have
unaccompanied articles being sent from the U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Guam or any of the Caribbean Basin Countries.

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