All,
We've got a collection to do in the US (coming from the UK) and we're unsure whether or not we should apply for an ATA carnet for temporary export of professional tools.
It's one person's worth of kit (a few laptops, a couple of write blockers, about 10 hard drives and the usual jumble of cables, USB sticks, CDs - probably about £2-3k worth of kit).
I've never travelled with a carnet before, but I have travelled to far more "interesting" places with my kit and they've barely got more than a quick once over. However, the US can be pretty funny about these things.
Does anyone have experience or advice when it comes to travelling to the US with forensic equipment?
Why not retain someone in the US to do the collection and save the issue.
There are many people in the US who could handle collection with no problems.
I've not had any problems traveling with any of my equipment abroad before.
Having any court paperwork with you that shows you are imaging the items as part of an ongoing case usually helps.
Personally I would not apply for a Carnet.
Greetings,
I second armresl's comments. First off, why not engage someone local in the US? It'll be a lot less expensive, they'll likely have more equipment available, they'll know the local laws (PI requirements in some states), and will have other resources available.
If you do come over, there should be no problems traveling with your equipment, other than the normal risks due to travel.
-David
Just to add to it, I know it's your first post here, I would not and have not gone to another country on business without first having in place a contact person to not only greet me, but hang around the first bit and make sure that I'm conforming to local standards (like Kovar mentioned) and that no laws are being broken.
I also meant to mention that the airlines are only liable to a certain point for your gear, say it gets stolen, lost, damaged, taken apart by customs or TSA, or by a baggage handler who thinks James Bond looking stuff is neat.
A follow up to this by the OP would be nice to see some specifics.
Not my line of work, but the idea of having a US based company do the collection makes sense. Contact one, see what their policy and procedures are and notify them of your concerns or any special issues you feel need to be addressed. If you are firm in your decision to come to this side of the pond I would start at Heathrow and see if there is a TSA liaison officer there. I would also try and contact the head of the Airline you would be flying on as well. I’d ask plenty of questions and get names, titles and contact numbers of all parties. I’d make sure I had a copy of the paperwork authorizing the collection and your work credentials.
When you land in the US make time to contact a TSA and Airline supervisor and get their contact info as well. I would also ask if they would be on duty the day and time you are returning. If not get the contact info for those people as well. (Take care of return flight details when you land!)
What I have suggested may be overkill and not be necessary, but in my opinion, TSA doesn’t like surprises or things that stick out (James Bond looking stuff).
Remember your 6 P’s (Prior Planning Prevents p**s Poor Performance)
armresl - first post, sure, but have lurked for a long time, done this for more than a few years, and there's a few people on these forums that do know me. So not your usual post-and-run.
Getting a US company to do the collection - whilst this a perfectly valid and very sensible idea, it's something totally outside of my control. But I do hear what you're both saying and will pass it on up the chain.
I did actually call US Border Control and spoke to a manager there. She was genuinely friendly and advised me that it would most likely fall under "professional tools", which are free to carry. She also said that it would ultimately be up to the judgement of the officer, so a carnet would smooth things along if I got someone who didn't see it as simply "professional tools".
I wasn't claiming a post and run, nor did I imply it, just asking questions and trying to help.
Others shared the same ideas as me.
armresl - first post, sure, but have lurked for a long time, done this for more than a few years, and there's a few people on these forums that do know me. So not your usual post-and-run.
Getting a US company to do the collection - whilst this a perfectly valid and very sensible idea, it's something totally outside of my control. But I do hear what you're both saying and will pass it on up the chain.
I did actually call US Border Control and spoke to a manager there. She was genuinely friendly and advised me that it would most likely fall under "professional tools", which are free to carry. She also said that it would ultimately be up to the judgement of the officer, so a carnet would smooth things along if I got someone who didn't see it as simply "professional tools".
armesl - wasn't meant in a sharp way, apologies if it came across defensive. Shouldn't post before I have coffee.
Appreciated the suggestions from everyone, yourself included.