Question Leaving EU with EBMM and coming back?

[spkirby]

Guys, I am going to the states in November and playing a couple of shows with a buddy out there. I'm taking one of my EBMM's but am worried about Customs issues coming back into London on my return. Have any of you UK members travelled outside the EU (eg. USA) with your guitars? Do I need to make any special arrangements as I dont want UK Customs pulling me over and questioning me about an American made guitar which originated in the UK!

I'm sure the issue of moving expensive equipment & customs happens all the time with touring musicians!

 

[Warthog]

I truly see it as no problem. When I moved to the EU from the US, I brought my JP on the plane with me (everything else was shipped) in a soft case. Nobody said anything the entire trip...

IF you have a concern and if you bought your guitar in a store, get a copy of the receipt... but I would be very surprised if they give you any problems on the return flight.

 

[knguro]

Don't worry there shouldn't be any problem, I've traveled a lot with my guitars to different states on the US and I never had a problem neither coming back. Still, should be better if you can contact your Airline or your travel agency.

 

[D.K.]

Had taken the Morse to Russia with me a couple of times - no problems wahtsoever.

Just be sure to take the original purchase receipt for the guitar with you - just in case...

 

[threeminutesboy]

I don't see any problem either Steve

now go west young man !!

 

[beej]

When I travel abroad with gear, I always bring a copy of the receipt with me (or make something up and print it out).

Can't count the number of times I've come back into Canada and been hassled about something (this happens mainly when I drive over, tho). Having proof that you bought it before is the easiest way around that potential problem.

 

[andynpeters]

At the risk of stating the "bleeding obvious"....why not try asking HM Customs for advice?
I'm sure the suggestion of having the UK receipt is good
I doubt that they'll use the fact that the goods originated overseas to stop you.....how many of us travel with British-made laptops & phones?

 

[cosmic]

I'm sure it'll fine. I've never had a problem myself.

 

[mojomkr]

ATA Carnet

ATA Carnet form you can download and fill out @ the website below. Good

Luck, Travel Safe !



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[njhammer]

I have brought 2 Lukes into the UK from here for a friend in the past 2 years with zero issues at UK customs. My 2 cents.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I work for HMRC but unfortunately this is outside my field of expertise.

I believe that a carnet would be the way to go.

However you would be advised to phone this number for a definitive answer. ...

8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday
Closed weekends and bank holidays
0845 010 9000

 

[mojomkr]

I have brought 2 Lukes into the UK from here for a friend in the past 2 years with zero issues at UK customs. My 2 cents.

You filled out a customs form? Were you truthful? No disrespect, But

if you give advice in something as serious as getting your items taken

away from you forever, You should tell the entire story. As in, what

did you claim on your customs form. Spud is right, To protect yourself

the Carnet is the way to go. Good Luck

 

[andynpeters]

I have brought 2 Lukes into the UK from here for a friend in the past 2 years with zero issues at UK customs. My 2 cents.

Well, assuming you just walked through, I guess you committed 2 criminal offences & didn't get caught!

I travelled with my SS to the USA amongst other places & brought it back with no problems....to be honest it never occurred to me to do anything beforehand. Spud's advice is the best, get the facts rather than a selection of possibly ill-informed opinions from all over the world

 

[Jimmyb]

I'd go with Spud's advice.

 

[denny99]

Guys, I am going to the states in November and playing a couple of shows with a buddy out there. I'm taking one of my EBMM's but am worried about Customs issues coming back into London on my return.

If I were you, I would call UK Custom offices and ask them what you need to do in order to be compliant with export/import policies.

If it works as here (the bureaucratic and complicated Italy) you would need to fill a declaration before your departure, perhaps including a description of your EBMM guitars with serial numbers.