How to Import Fishing Equipment

tackle 6 image by Dawn Williams from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

U.S. Customs handles all import and export items. From items that you bring into the United States via air and ground travel to items that you take out, you must declare all fishing reels, rods and tackle that you bring into the United States from other countries. You can import fishing equipment on a large or small scale, but you must declare each item and pay a duty tax. Online and in-person payments are available. Once you are given clearance, meaning each item is approved for entry into the United States, you can import your fishing equipment and use it at your favorite lake or river.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Customs declaration form

Step 1

Check that you do not have prohibited items, which cannot be imported into the United States without proper certification. As of July 2010, fishing reels, rods and tackle are not considered prohibited items. However, certification regulations are subject to change. Contact U.S. Customs for updated restrictions regarding importation regulations.

Step 2

File a Customs Declaration Form. File your Customs Declaration Form electronically via the Automated Broker Interface program, which is a part of the Automated Commercial Systems. U.S. Customs will notify you if you are required to submit your fishing equipment for inspection. Show proof of ownership. A receipt is sufficient proof of ownership.

Step 3

Pay duties and taxes on all fishing equipment and gear. Pay by check or money order; all monies are payable to “U.S. Customs.” You do not have to pay a duty tax on personal effects used during your travels.

Tips & Warnings

Provide an invoice of fishing equipment. Package the fishing equipment in a clearly labeled box.

U.S. Customs offices are located at airports, ground check points and at various other locations---see Resources for U.S. Customs services website.

Travelers importing fishing equipment can declare each item at the airport and pay duty taxes there. You will need your declaration form and passport.

Food and animal-made products may be subject to quarantine.

Duty costs will vary considerably by item.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

5 Top North American Wildflower Hikes

Springtime brings a sense of new beginnings and new life as flowers begin to bloom and fill the air with their sweet and pleasant fragrance. Luckily we can see wildflowers all summer long, since spring hits at different times throughout North America. See flowering cactu...
More National Parks...
Popular Article

National Park Substitutes: Great Spots Without the Crowds

Coping with crowds at national parks can get tiresome, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to escape from the herd, or just take a breather from the bustle of bigger attractions, the United States has plenty of less-visited but still worthwhile spots t...
More National Parks...
Featured Destination

Prevent Yourself from Getting Lost While Hiking

When you're hiking you're going to want to make sure you stay found. What I mean by that is that you've put an itinerary in the car, you know the area that you're hiking to, you know the route and the trail you plan on being on, you know what the trail markers are going ...
More Camping Basics...