Temp. import procedure at JFK air cargo
 

Hi
I'm going to send my motorbike from London to JFK by air cargo. Does anybody know if the pickup procedure is complicated? I mean do I have to hire any Agent or I can do it myself?
Ziggy

IN THEORY, it should not be complicated at all, based on the premise that thousands of foreign (i.e. Canadian) vehicles enter the United States every day from Canada.

In practice, my experience with anyone who wears a uniform in the United States is that they can often be very officious and frightened of everything.

The only legitimate concern that an American Customs official should have is that you might want to leave the motorcycle behind (in other words, sell it) in the United States. That would amount to illegal permanent importation, which is not permitted, as opposed to temporary importation for tourist purposes, which is permitted. So, I suggest you give some thought in advance to how you can reassure the Customs people that you intend to export the motorcycle again at the end of your touristic visit. (If you are an American and your motorcycle was purchased in the USA and you are returning home with it, have your registration document and, if possible, your original bill of sale with you to prove that the moto is 'American Goods Returning'.)

Although it is not a matter of concern for the Customs people, it would probably be a good idea for you to have proof of liability insurance for the USA with you when you go to clear the moto out of the freight shed. Bring that with you, along with your passport, proof of ownership of the moto, and shipping documents.

Good luck...

Michael

If you have paperwork with a date of return of your bike, there should be no problem at all

JFK Cargo
 

Hi Ziggy,

How was your trip to the USA?
Could you tell me something about procedure in JFK air cargo? I will send my motorbike from Kuala Lumpur to JFK NY in few days and I wondering who can help me with it?
Thanks