Returning through air port Custom's

**fortcollinsjerry** · 16th March 09, 08:03 AM

Has anyone returning from a trip abroad had a problem with custom's trying to convince some inspector that the kilt garments in your luggage were owned by you and part of your baggage when you departed the US?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 16th March 09, 08:26 AM

The short answer is "No". Used clothing-- kilts or other articles of apparel-- are just that, and the customs guys are used to seeing suitcases full of it. In my experience the only folks who get into trouble are those who fail to declare new items which are of a value in excess of the allowable amount which may be imported free of duty or tax.

**ForresterModern** · 16th March 09, 10:57 AM

I packed 4 kilts (three that had previously been made in scotland) and two jacket/waistcoat sets (the 4th kilt and jackets made in US) for a 10 day trip, along with a host of accessories, most of which had previously been imported from Scotland, since I was kilted everyday of the trip save one. I carried photocopies of receipts for the more expensive items that were marked as having been made in Scotland to be able to show customs if they asked that they had been shipped to the US previous to this trip. I had no problems at customs and never needed the receipts, but will take them with me again next time I visit as now I have several more Scottish made kilts, jackets, and other items to worry about.

**davedove** · 16th March 09, 11:11 AM

Keep the receipts if that makes you feel more comfortable, but I have never heard of anyone having any problems as long as they were honest and up-front about everything. In fact, I have never had to open my bags at all coming back into the States, so they would never have a clue what I had in them. Note that I do declare everything I am bringing into the country.

Now, if you were bringing back crates of garments, that might be a different story.

**fortcollinsjerry** · 16th March 09, 11:24 AM

yeah - I had intended to keep all the reciepts for boughten stuff, but was concerned about my 25 years old kilt attracting attention. Thanks for the reply's

**ForresterModern** · 16th March 09, 11:29 AM

I would think that a 25 year old kilt would not look quite the same as a brand new one, but would be extremely envious of anyone who owned one that did. You would think they would be able to tell an older kilt from some evidence of wear, or from the labelling.

**JS Sanders** · 16th March 09, 01:16 PM

It's a bit inconvenient, but you can visit the Custom's office prior to departure with your item(s). There you'll be issued a small certified form that describes your item.

If searched by (American) Customs, just present the form to the inspecting officer. No problem, but for heaven's sake do not alter the form in any way.

Slan,
steve

**Twa_Corbies** · 16th March 09, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by ForresterModern

I would think that a 25 year old kilt would not look quite the same as a brand new one, but would be extremely envious of anyone who owned one that did. You would think they would be able to tell an older kilt from some evidence of wear, or from the labelling.

I'm envious of anyone who can still fit in a kilt they had made 25 years ago!

**JS Sanders** · 16th March 09, 07:30 PM

<< CBP Form 4457 - registration of personal goods - have it certified and dated. >>

Yep - that's the form I remember.

**fortcollinsjerry** · 17th March 09, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Twa_Corbies

I'm envious of anyone who can still fit in a kilt they had made 25 years ago!

....me too. Mine shrank quite a bit hanging in the closet for so many years. I had to have it retailored by a local kilt maker. She did a fine job and now I can wear it again