Certificate of registration for personal effects taken abroad

I have never done it. What personal effects are you concerned about?

I googled your subject line and found a form online that you can fill out:

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_4457.pdf

Gotta love the google. (Are you a photographer taking lots of expensive equipment or something?)

You fill out the form and bring the items to the customs office. They check to make sure the items you bring match the ones on the paper. They do not keep a copy of the paper but will either sign in or endorse it. It is not entered into any computer. Only show it if you are asked about your personal items and where you bought them. If not asked, don't show them the paper.

"I have never done it. What personal effects are you concerned about?"

I'm gonna have a video camera, digital camera, iTouch, and external hard drive.

"Gotta love the google. (Are you a photographer taking lots of expensive equipment or something?)"

No, it just seems like based on reading posts here and elsewhere that it would be a good idea to declare these items ahead of time with the US Customs because if you didn't they would try to tax you on these items when returning to the US thinking you bought them overseas. Am I wrong about that? If so I won't need to fill out the paperwork.

James, I used to fill out those forms for my photography gear. But I haven't done so in some time. I do carry a photocopy of the receipt for my digital SLR and portable hard drive. That's all. I don't bother with receipts for lenses. I've never been asked by a customs official about my gear when returning from Europe.

Thanks guys. I won't fill out the form and I'll just bring copies of the receipts.