Author - Greg Gazin
repost from
http://technology.canoe.ca/Colum ... /05/30/5721826.html
If you plan on crossing international borders this summer with all your gadgets, it would be a good idea to make sure that if necessary, you can prove that you brought them with you in the first place and it doesn’t appear that they were purchased abroad on a recent trip.
It’s not an issue when you visit the country of destination, but rather upon your return to Canada. By being able to provide this proof to a customs official, you can avoid any unnecessary holdups as well as possible duties, GST /HST taxes at the border crossing upon your return should the items be questioned.
Gadgets that appear obviously used may not send up a red flag but newer or pristine ones might should you be the lucky person who gets their baggage searched.
The best way to travel and return home with piece of mind is to either, take a bill of sale or proof of purchase with you when you go or have your items registered before you leave. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) refers to this as a temporary export of personal effects. According to CBSA, the procedure is optional and of free of charge at any CBSA office across the country. Most airports have CBSA offices.
Simple & Free Service
How it works is simple. You present your gadget and yourself at one of the offices before you leave. An officer will examine the goods to identify them – usually by make and model number and serial number or distinguishable markings. A bill of sale is not required. CBSA states that a make and model alone does not signify an identification. You will then be issued a wallet-sized green card called a Y-38 “Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation”. You will need to declare that the goods are either Canadian made or lawfully imported into Canada and sign the card. You may register multiple items on that card and the card has no expiry date so you can keep it and reuse it again and again
Missing or No Serial Number
Items like laptops and cell phones that have properly affixed manufacturer model tags and serial numbers are no problem. The challenge arises in when there is no visible serial number or any uniquely distinguishable markings on the gadget. This can often occur with accessories and attachments such as memory cards or some headsets. In that case you’ll need to make sure you have a receipt. If you don’t, another option is to get a label called the Y38-1“Label for Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation”. This official label has a serial number provided by CBSA to enable your item to be identified. It’s permanent and cannot be removed without destroying it. A label like this may be ok for clubs but may not necessarily look cool attached to your headset, so best to keep your bill of sale.
The memorandum also states that the Y-38 is also applicable and should be used to document business related items such as the Blackberrys and business owned computers that are hand-carried by an individual.
Remember, the burden of proof lies with you, so why not avoid the hassles. The service is free and easy and only has to be once ever for a particular item – so get the Y38.
For more information, visit the CBSA website or do a search for Y-38 and Memorandum D2-6-5. You can also call toll-free (800) 461-9999 within Canada or (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064
