Urgent - Getting Bikes into the US
 

Hi Everyone,

we shipped our bikes (with a German registration) from Bogotá to Miami by air. We tried to get them out today at MIA Airport, but were told by US customs that we need an "in-bond" or a Carnet de Passage for the temporary import.
We have neither!

Does anyone know the "magic word" for Customs to process our paperwork without having to get a CdP or this other bond thing?

Any help is highly appreciated!
THANK YOU,
Annaleen & Uli

Update to previous post: All cleared
 

Just a quick update - today we were able to release our bikes from customs and the warehouse at Miami Airport. It turned out that all we have to do is to declare them as "personal effects".

A different officer was on duty today and the whole process (filling out one form) took about 3min per bike. No EPA Letter of Approval, no Form 3520-I was needed.
Just a declaration that it is personal effects you're importing and that they will be used by yourself only. That's it.

Too bad we had to deal with 5 customs officers yesterday who clearly had no idea what to do! And the shipping agent also had no clue about the process.
Well, next time we know what to do! :thumbup1:
Cheers