Taking American Guns Abroard

[JulianY]

I have an American friend who is living and working hear in Holland. He would like to bring his pistol over so that he can shoot hear.

As far as the dutch side is concerned he will require a dutch license and a customs import permit. This is all achievable, just lots of paper work.

What we don't know is what would need to be done on the US side. An additional concern is that he will inevitably return to the US in a couple of year and wan to bring it back again. The pistol was purchased new in the US.

Does any one have any experience with this type of thing?

Kind regards

Julian

[Hap Rocketto]

In fact, no one cares-as a rule-what you take out of the US, but they are concerened about what you being back.

The most important thing for to do is to complete a CBP Form 4457, CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FOR PERSONAL EFFECTS TAKEN ABROAD.

This document proves that the point of orign of items listed was the Unted States and will save paying duty upon reentry. It remains valid for re-importation of the registered articles for as long as the document is legible. The certificate is not transferable.

Foreign repairs or alterations to articles, whether or not the articles are registered with CBP, are dutiable. Such repairs or alterations must be declared to CBP when the articles re-enter the United States, whether or not they were done free of charge.

Details are on the Custom Service website.

[orionshooter]

Julian - in my experience, Hap is exactly correct. No attention at all is paid to what leaves - only what comes back.

For sure, your friend needs to protect himself from having his firearm subjected to duty upon reentry to the U.S. and that is the purpose of the process described by Hap.