How to bring engagement ring to U.S.

[ChocolateMouse]

Thanks to all the responses. Earlier I asked how to bring jewelry into the U.S. that was purchased in Canada and then bring it back without being taxed. The proper way to do it is by filling out a green form Y38, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. You only have to fill it out once because the form has no expiry date. Here is the link:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d2-6-5/d2-6-5-e.html

 

[tribus121]

I dont think that they would give it a second glance . A bunch of Jewelry maybe but a single ring no .

 

[Scratch42]

Make sure you claim it on the US Customs Form! This way they will have a record that it was bought here, brought to the US and being brought back to Canada. You can avoid all this by flying out of Buffalo!

You don't want to get stuck paying Duty on something that was bought in Canada!

 

[Canadave]

Make sure you get a 'legitimate' appraisal on the ring, including a picture, BEFORE you cross the border. Then bring a copy of the appraisal with you. This will prove you did not purchase the ring in the States and avoid any hassles.

 

[dhluvsDisney]

The above advice is very prudent. Make sure you register it (or anything else of value). Having had an experience in this area, I can't emphasize how much you need to register valuables.

 

[tmli]

If flying out of Buffalo, how would the advice differ? I can't imagine the guy at the border is going to know the ring on the womans finger is new and he should request proof of appraisal to prove it was purchased in Canada.

 

[dsneygirl]

I should send my DH to this thread he proposed to me in WDW in 2000. I'm pretty sure he just had it in his carry on. On the way home no one gave me a 2nd glance.

 

[drag n' fly]

Make sure you get a 'legitimate' appraisal on the ring, including a picture, BEFORE you cross the border. Then bring a copy of the appraisal with you. This will prove you did not purchase the ring in the States and avoid any hassles.

Great advice. Also insure it also. Have one copy at home and one copy with you.

 

[Scratch42]

If flying out of Buffalo, how would the advice differ? I can't imagine the guy at the border is going to know the ring on the womans finger is new and he should request proof of appraisal to prove it was purchased in Canada.

There not as nosy as at the Airport!

j

 

[SandraC]

Propose at the airport!

 

[mom_rules]

Don't forget your paid, dated receipt with the name and address of the Canadian company you bought it from along with your photo appraisal certificate.
I bring copies for every piece of jewellery I bring with me (since I heard about the Vancouver couple and the heirloom engagement ring fiasco on the news last year).

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Go to your local Customs & Revenue Agency office. You'll want to get a "green card" Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. This is a good thing to have for cameras, computers, firearms, and anything else of significant value that you may carry with you out of the country. With the CRA "green card" there is no question as to the fact that the goods were purchased in Canada. It is one card with room for details of 9 items and eliminates the need to carry important receipts and appraisal forms for all sorts of items.

I have one for my flintlock musket which I take with me to historical re-enactments in the United States. When I declare that I am bringing a firearm with me on my return trip into Canada (always, always, always declare a firearm) I just tell them "I have my green card" and I get waved through without further question.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into that green card. I don't plan to declare it on my U.S. customs form since that's a guarantee my girlfriend will find out right at the airport.

I have a receipt that it was purchased in Canada, so that's no problem. The only issue is how to get it through the screeners without hassle. If I keep it in my pocket while passing through the metal detectors and it goes off, they might find the ring. If I store it in my carry on bag or jacket, what percentage of the time will screeners ask to inspect a ring?

As an aside, the gemologist said jewelry doesn't set off metal detectors. I started to believe it, but then I thought, "isn't that how people try to find jewelry they've lost at the beach?"

 

[dsneygirl]

I wear my engagement ring, diamond band and diamond stud earrings every time I fly and have never had it set off a metal detector.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into that green card. I don't plan to declare it on my U.S. customs form since that's a guarantee my girlfriend will find out right at the airport.

You definitely do not need to declare it on your US Customs form. You are not permanently importing the item into the United States -- you are only temporarily exporting it from Canada. That is the purpose of the green card.

I would place the item, in its box, in a safe place in your carry-on luggage. I have carried a camera bag with a ring attached to the zipper pull that cannot be mistaken for anything but what it is -- the pin from a grenade -- through airport security checks for several years and there has never been any question about it.

That said -- a metal can of maple syrup and a hip flask of rye whiskey did attract attention several years ago. How Canadian.

Airport security checks are looking for suspicious shapes such as guns, knives, wires, etc. They search for explosives by examining the densities of items in your luggage. Apparently peanut butter and traditional English Christmas cake are so close to the density of commonly used plastic explosives that they will attract attention at security checks. It is reputed that the English Christmas cake is the exact same density as Semtex plastic explosive and this alone significantly slows down security checks at British airports during the Holidays.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

When my husband flew out to propose to me, he kept my engagement ring in the pocket of his jacket and never set off the metal detectors. As well, I myself have worn jewelry through security and have not once set off the metal detectors.

Congratulations!!

 

[Canadave]

That said -- a metal can of maple syrup and a hip flask of rye whiskey did attract attention several years ago. How Canadian.

 

[Jaymie]

You might want to add it to your insurance policy as soon as you take possession of it, as well.

 

[Marci]

A friend of mine duct taped the engagement ring to his chest!
I don't recommend that however. If I were you I'd just keep it in your pocket.

 

[manning]

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