The United States (US) is an alluring destination for many Kenyans and expats looking for the promise of new opportunities, a fresh start, or the chance to experience the American way of life. The country of 50 states covers a vast swath of North America.
Apart from the 50 states, the federal republic consists of a federal district, five major territories, and several small islands.
Washington D.C (District of Columbia) is the only federal district and the capital city of the United States. The city hosts several international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and is an important world political capital.
The five major unincorporated territories of the US comprise:
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Island
- Guam
One of the major reasons nearly everyone can relate to the United States is the country’s ability to export its western values and way of life globally. America’s popular culture, whether pushed by Hollywood, the music industry, or even capitalistic ideals, has spread worldwide.
Since the American way of life appears very alluring, it’s hardly surprising, therefore, that many people dream of visiting or permanently relocating to the United States. Indeed, it’s a happy coincidence that the International Association of Movers has its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
We will explore various aspects of moving from Kenya to the USA and provide helpful tips for making the transition as smooth as possible.
1. Movers Will Require Certain Documents Before Packing Day
Movers will require certain documents from non-diplomats before packing your belongings so they can arrange customs clearance. They include:
- CBP Form 3299 (Declaration of free entry of unaccompanied articles)
- CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
- Power of attorney
The CBP Form 7501 provides relevant information regarding imported commodities to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The information includes origin, classification, and appraisal.
The CBP Form 3299 is required to clear your unaccompanied household goods and personal effects through US Customs. Ensure you check all the applicable boxes therein to declare the items for which you seek duty-free entry into the United States.
Finally, the signed Power of Attorney gives your mover permission to clear your unaccompanied baggage through US Customs on your behalf.
2. Diplomats Must Complete the DS-1504 Form
Diplomats moving to the United States must fill out form DS-1504 (Request for Customs Clearance of Merchandise). In fact, diplomats and other foreign government officials holding A-1 or A-2 visas in the United States are not permitted to use CBP Forms 3299 and 7501.
Whether the diplomatic shipment is official, personal, or both official and personal, the consignee must have been notified by the Department of State and be eligible for diplomatic importation privileges. Permanent residents of the United States (green card holders), for instance, are not eligible.
Additionally, the responsible foreign mission should stamp, initial, and date each copy of the DS-1504 form or use an embossing seal that penetrates all six copies of the form. This form should then be submitted to the Department of State at least 10 working days before the shipment’s arrival.
3. You Must File the Importer Security Filing (ISF) for Ocean Cargo on Time
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires that all ocean cargo imports to the United States meet the Importer Security Filing (ISF) deadline.
The ISF shows the import information and details of shipments as they move from point to point. It must be delivered to CBP at least 24 hours before the vessel carrying the shipment departs to the United States. Ideally, in fact, the information should be submitted electronically to CBP before the vessel is even loaded.
ISF improves the CBP’s ability to flag high-risk shipments that could be a safety threat upon arrival in the US. The increased visibility also helps with the control of the smuggling of substances or people inside the United States border.
Failure to file ISF can have serious consequences, including:
- Massive fees/penalties
- Increased inspections
- Delayed shipment
Incomplete or incorrect ISF filing may result in a refusal from CBP to grant the permit necessary to unload or claim your merchandise. The CP may even seize your cargo if you go ahead and unload it without the agency’s permission.
4. Shipments May Be Examined at the Discretion of Customs
Shipments entering the US from any foreign territory are usually subjected to physical examinations by the US government. This is to verify that such cargo complies with US laws and safety regulations.
Because numerous shipments are entering and departing the United States, CBP uses special unknown algorithms to evaluate the degree of risk for each shipment.
For ocean freight shipments, CBP uses the mandatory Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Additional Carrier Requirements to evaluate each shipment and flag the ones it deems suspicious.
The following factors can heighten the chances of a physical exam:
- It’s your first shipment (Customs may want to establish your legitimacy)
- The shipper (they might be unknown or have a track record of mislabeling goods)
- The goods (they might have a history of inaccurate labeling, reporting, or valuing)
- The place of origin (some cities, countries, or geographic areas are more suspicious)
- Goods were consolidated with suspicious shipments in the same container
- Goods were accompanied with incomplete paperwork
Sometimes, even if you did everything right preparing for your relocation to the USA, your shipment may still end up being among the ones chosen annually for a customs exam.
5. Shipments Receive Different Types of Customs Inspections
Inspections give US Customs a chance to look for contraband and cargo that doesn’t match your paperwork. Your shipment will be escalated to a more thorough exam, if it raises suspicion. The three common exams shipments typically receive include:
- Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) or Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII)
- Tail Gate Exam
- Intensive Customs Exam
| VACIS/NII | Tail Gate Exam | Intense Customs Exam |
| Relatively unobtrusive | More obtrusive | Most obtrusive |
| Involves x-raying container | Involves breaking container seal and looking inside | Involves transportation to a Customs Examination Station (CES) for thorough inspection |
| Less costly ($150-$250) | Costs $150-$350 | Costs $1000-$2500 |
| Takes 2-3 days (depending on port traffic and queue) | Takes 3-6 days depending on port traffic | Takes 7-30 days or more |
These inspection cost estimates do not include other charges you might be expected to foot, such as:
- Drayage charges for the transportation to and from the inspection site
- CES storage and labor charges for the unloading and reloading of your shipment
- Detention and demurrage costs for keeping your container longer than expected
Since your shipment won’t be released until you’ve cleared up all fees, ensure you arrange for prompt payment to avoid further fees and delays.
6. Household Goods and Personal Effects Qualify for Conditional Duty-Free Exemptions
You can move to the US with your artwork, dishes, furniture, linens, and similar household furnishings for personal use free of duty. To qualify for duty-free exemptions, however, these articles must either have been used by you or used in a household where you were a resident for one year.
This year of use doesn’t need to be continuous, nor does it need to be the one immediately before the date of importation. However, most household items that have been used for less than 12 months will require that duty be paid.
The owner of the household goods and personal effects must indicate on the CBP Form 3299 pertinent details about the items, such as:
- Name of items
- Quantity of items
- Material items are made of
- Value (in US dollars) of the items
- Country of origin of the items
Your professional equipment or tools of trade are also entitled to duty-free consideration if they’re for your personal use. These items don’t have to have been in your household for more than one year to qualify for this exemption.
Gifts or items you intend to give to other people when you arrive in the United States are not considered part of your household or personal effects. Therefore, they are not eligible for duty-free treatment.
There is, however, a duty-free exemption for gifts worth up to $100. Any items above this value are dutiable at the applicable Harmonized Tariff Schedule rates.
7. You Must Hold the Proper Long-Term Visa to Enjoy Duty-Free Exemptions
To enjoy duty-free exemptions when importing household goods to the United States, you (as the owner of these goods) must:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a U.S. permanent resident
- Hold an A-1 Visa (for diplomats)
- Hold an H-1B Visa (for foreigners working in the U.S.)
8. You Don’t Have to Clear Your Goods in Person
You don’t have to go to the CBP office yourself to clear your exempted household goods and personal effects. You can ship them to your U.S. address much later if you choose (they don’t have to accompany you to the United States).
You may send a friend or relative to represent you, in which case you must give them a letter addressed to ‘Officer in Charge of CBP’ authorizing them to represent you as your agent on a one-time basis. They must also present a completed CBP Form 3299 to the CBP Officer.
9. Some Ports May Require Your I-94
Form I-94 is the Department of Homeland Security’s Arrival/Departure Record issued to aliens who are admitted to the United States, who are adjusting their status while in the country or extending their stay, among other things. Some ports require a copy before they can clear your shipment.
While Form I-94 is proof of legal entry into the US, not all persons need it. The following do not require it:
- U.S. citizens
- Returning resident aliens
- Aliens with immigrant visas
- Most visiting (or in transit) Canadian citizens
This means that foreign nationals who are in the United States on a temporary visa, including H-1B, need the I-94. This record can be used to verify their entry date, port of entry, and visa status at the time of admission.
10. Prohibited and Restricted Items
Importing certain items into the US requires special precautions. The US government provides a comprehensive list of restricted items, including certain types of cars, plants, and food. Prohibited items include unusual items such as firearms and ammunition, absinthe, musical instruments, and certain types of palm fronds.
Bringing a banned product or failing to declare certain agricultural products such as meats, vegetables, fruits, and seeds may lead may result in civic penalties or jail time.
Shipments that include restricted or prohibited items attract intense Customs exams. Since the exams and any damage to the shipment are at the owner’s expense, it’s best to avoid shipping such items altogether.
11. Air vs Sea Freight
You may decide to move your belongings to your new home in the USA via ship or plane.
If you’re in a hurry, air freight is suitable, but more costly. Shipping household goods and personal effects from Kenya to the US via plane typically takes 1-3 days.
Sea freight, on the other hand, is 12-16 times more affordable, especially for bigger shipments. Shipping from Kenya to the US via sea typically takes 21-26 days.
The most popular ports in America are:
- Los Angeles, California
- Newark, New Jersey
- Long Beach, California
- Savannah, Georgia
- Houston, Texas
With dozens of major ports across the West, Northeast, and South coasts, shipping your belongings to the United States is simple. This extensive port network ensures an efficient and simple relocation wherever you choose to settle in the US.
Best Movers to the USA: Nellions Moving and Relocations Company
Relocating to the USA from Kenya? Secure professional international moving services from Nellions Moving and Relocations Company to simplify your move. The IAM-certified company provides expert packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door shipping.
With Nellions as your moving partner, your move to the US can be a smooth transition in your life.
Contact us on +254700000002 or email move@nellions.co.ke to get a free moving quote.
