Customs when moving to the USA Form CF-3299, Applications, Prohibitions & Deadlines
Travel safely to the United States of America. Stress-free – and CBP-compliant, of course.
The most important information in 30 seconds
The right visa and correct customs clearance are crucial for a smooth move to the USA. The USA is a non-EU country known for its strict customs and entry requirements.
For you, this means that proper customs clearance (CBP = U.S. Customs and Border Protection) and the appropriate residence status are essential for entry into the United States of America.
The following generally applies:
- Duty-free if used household goods have been in your possession for at least 12 months, provided that the owner has a long-term visa (non-B1/B2 visitor visa) or a permanent residence card (green card).
- Key forms: CBP Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) for unaccompanied household goods + CBP Form 6059B (Customs Declaration) for your personal entry
- Always check prohibited/highly regulated goods (including plants, soil, food, hunting trophies, certain animal species, goods from embargoed countries) in advance – violations will be prosecuted consistently.
- Planning: The application for the appropriate visa must be completed well in advance of the move, as it forms the basis for duty-free importation.
Related topics
- Moving to the USA → Get a quote now!
- Emigrating to the USA? → All the important information
- Applying for a visa → Find out more now!
- Bringing your pet with you? → Import regulations
Visa & Immigration Status: The basis for your move to the USA
Your personal immigration status is the basis for duty-free importation of your household goods. Only those who intend to live and work in the US permanently or for an extended period of time qualify for duty exemption.
You can find more detailed information on visas and step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the right visa here.
| Category |
status
|
Requirements for duty-free imports
|
|---|---|---|
| immigrant | Permanent residence card (Green Card) | Unrestricted (as long as the goods have been used) |
| non-immigrant | Long-term visas (e.g., L-1, H-1B, E-2, F-1) | Meets criteria for household goods |
| US citizen | US citizen | Unrestricted |
Advantages of early customs clearance and information
Avoiding delays:
- Early clarification of visas, status, and documents prevents downtime at the port or terminal.
- CBP conducts random checks—the better your documentation, the faster your container will be cleared.
Cost control
- If you know about potential customs duties, taxes, and fees, you can plan your budget and cash flow properly.
- New goods or high-priced electronics may be subject to customs duties—with receipts, you can avoid surprises.
Smooth operation
- Synchronized planning of entry, I-94, visa, and container arrival creates a clean end-to-end process.
- Clear inventory lists and complete forms keep CBP inquiries to a minimum.
Avoiding stress
- Once customs issues have been taken care of, you can focus on starting your job, finding accommodation, and settling in.
- You avoid having to make ad hoc decisions at the US port or airport.
Better logistics planning
- Binding time slots for pickup, shipping, and delivery in the US are only realistic with a clear customs strategy.
Checklist: Required customs documents for moving to the USA
Customs clearance for your removal goods is usually carried out by a licensed customs broker, whom DACHSER & KOLB will commission on your behalf. The following documents are required for this:
✓ Copy of your passport
✓ Form CF-3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles. This form serves as proof that the goods may be imported duty-free.
✓ Copy of your visa (if you are not a U.S. citizen/permanent resident) – alternatively, a copy of your permanent residence card (Green Card)
✓ I-94 stamp – electronic entry and exit record documenting your status and permitted length of stay
✓ CBP Form 7501 – Customs Entry Summary.
✓ Form CF-6059B – Customs Declaration.
✓ Detailed inventory list: A complete, numbered list of all boxes and items, ideally written in English.
✓ Power of attorney for customs clearance by DACHSER & KOLB or the US partner
✓ Other documents that experience has shown to be useful/necessary: Freight documents (bill of lading, air waybill), US address, employment contract or other reason for stay, proof of long-term residence status, documents relating to vehicle import
Requirements for duty-free importation of household goods
In order for your used household goods (household effects) to be imported into the USA duty-free, the following criteria of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must be met:
Service life
For duty-free clearance, the household goods must have been used in the foreign household for at least 12 months before being shipped from the country of origin. This proves that the items are actually used and not commercial goods.
Status Owner
The owner of the goods must be in possession of an appropriate long-term visa (except for a B1/B2 visitor visa) or a permanent residence card in order to import household goods duty-free.
Type of use
The items must not be intended for resale (commercial use) and must be recognizable as being for personal/private use.
Scheduling
The importation should take place within a reasonable period of time after your arrival (delays of several years may be problematic). CBP accepts household goods that were used abroad and are being imported in connection with the relocation.
Import bans & permits
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are subject to customs duties and taxes and are subject to quantity restrictions. The quantity must be declared.
Plants, seeds, and soil
Strictly regulated or prohibited to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Soil is strictly prohibited.
Meat and meat by-products
fresh, dried, preserved, sausage products, etc.
Medicines & Medical Devices
Only permitted for personal use in limited quantities. You must have a prescription and/or a medical certificate (in English). Certain narcotics are completely prohibited.
Gold
The importation of gold in non-commercial quantities is permitted, but must be declared if the value exceeds $10,000 USD.
Protected animal species
Products covered by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (e.g., ivory, certain leather goods) are prohibited or require special certificates.
Customs clearance procedure when moving to the USA – step by step
Clarify visa & status
- Decision: Immigrant visa/green card or long-term nonimmigrant visa (e.g., L-1, H-1B, E, J, or F visa, depending on the purpose).
- ESTA/Visa Waiver is only suitable for stays of up to 90 days and is not a route to emigration.
- You can find more information here.
Prepare documents
- Passport, visa/green card, I-94, Form 3299, 6059B if applicable, powers of attorney, inventory list.
- Provide address details in the USA and contact details (email, cell phone number).
Packing & inventory list
- Detailed inventory list in English with clear descriptions.
- Clearly separate used items from new items; keep receipts for high-priced items ready.
Shipping / Air freight & customs declaration
- DACHSER & KOLB or its US partner registers the shipment with CBP (using CBP Form 7501 and, if applicable, electronic pre-arrival systems).
- CBP reserves the right to physically inspect the container.
Approval & Delivery
- After clearance by CBP, the container will be delivered to your new place of residence.
- Relevant documents (e.g., stamped copies, clearance papers) should be kept in a safe place.
Your advantages when moving to the USA with DACHSER & KOLB
Competent customs clearance
We take care of all the organization and formalities with the relevant US customs authorities.
Individual advice
We take the time to listen to your wishes and requirements and draw up a detailed relocation plan.
Transparent planning
Our free viewing and moving cost calculator give you a clear overview of the costs.
Experienced specialists
From planning to execution, we rely on qualified employees who will ensure that your move is stress-free.
How DACHSER & KOLB supports you with customs clearance for your move to the USA
DACHSER & KOLB is your reliable partner for a stress-free move to the USA. We take care of all customs clearance for you and ensure that all formalities are handled correctly. Our services include:
Provision and explanation of forms
Assistance in completing CBP Form 3299, 6059B, and other customs-specific documents.
Document check before dispatch
Check that passport copies, visa/green card, I-94, inventory list, and shipping documents are complete and plausible.
Coordination with US partners and customs brokers
Coordination of the Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) and all electronic pre-clearance notifications.
Risk check for "prohibited/risky goods"
Advice on which items are not allowed in the container and what alternatives are available.
Handling of special cases
Vehicle imports, pets (separate processes), high-value art, inheritances, or professional work equipment.
FAQ - What should you bear in mind when it comes to customs clearance for moving to and from the USA? - The most frequently asked questions
When are my belongings exempt from customs duties when moving to the USA?
If your household goods have been used abroad for at least 12 months, continue to be used privately, are not intended for sale, and you can prove that you have long-term residency status (green card, immigrant visa, or work visa).
What documents do I need at the border for my move to the USA?
For your personal entry: passport, visa/green card, I-94 if applicable, CBP Form 6059B. For your household goods: CBP Form 3299, detailed inventory list, proof of change of residence and visa status, power of attorney for DACHSER & KOLB or the US customs broker.
Can I send multiple shipments or subsequent deliveries to the USA?
Yes, forwarding is generally possible as long as the connection to your change of residence remains clear and the goods continue to be personal household goods. The details should be agreed in advance with the customs broker/freight forwarder on an individual basis.
What if I am not present when my container is being cleared through customs?
DACHSER & KOLB can handle customs clearance for you through partners and customs brokers—based on a signed power of attorney and complete original documents.
What role does my visa play in customs clearance?
A central one. "Officially emigrating" with a visitor visa (B1/B2) is highly risky in terms of customs and immigration. For a structured move to the US, you should check the appropriate visa path via the US Embassy (immigrant visa/groups of work visas) at an early stage. You can find more information on the subject of visas here.
Can new goods or items that have been used for less than 12 months be imported duty-free?
Generally, no. These items are not recognized as duty-free household goods by US Customs and may be subject to regular customs duties and taxes. Such items should be marked separately on the inventory list.
Can I import my car into the US duty-free?
Importing motor vehicles is a complex process. Only vehicles that comply with US standards (DOT/EPA) may be imported permanently. Older vehicles (at least 25 years old) are exempt from these standards. Your car must usually be registered and inspected separately.
I am only in the US for 6 months on a B-2 visa. Can I import my household goods duty-free?
No. Short-term visitor visas such as B-1 or B-2 do not qualify for duty-free importation of household goods. Such goods must either be cleared through customs or are only possible with a temporary import permit, which is subject to certain conditions.
Is ESTA sufficient for permanent relocation to the USA?
No. ESTA / Visa Waiver is only intended for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business and is not a route to immigration. To emigrate, you need an immigrant visa (green card) or a suitable long-term nonimmigrant visa.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
With customs clearance for moving to and from the USA, DACHSER & KOLB ensures that your move is efficient, safe, and stress-free. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
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Sabrina Klier
Customer Service & Sales - AIR & SEA
