Ask the Experts: Are hand-carried items held to the same export regulations as cargo?

Yes. Any commercial item traveling on-person, with allowable carry-ons, or with checked luggage are considered a hand-carried export. While it is strongly encouraged that commercial items be handled by approved freight forwarders and clearing agents, there are situations which may require a hand-carried export during employee travel.

These items include but are not limited to:

• Samples
• Spare & Replacement Parts
• Demo & Test Equipment

Some items which will be returned to the country of origin at the end of travel may not be considered a hand carried export including:

• Traveler’s Personal Effects (clothes, bags, toiletries)
• Items considered ‘Tools of the Trade’ including Laptops, Mobile Phones & Demo/Test Equipment

Please note that certain destinations may have import restrictions for items listed above and some may require you to declare the items upon entering their territory. In addition, certain items should never be hand carried:

• Hazardous Goods & Chemicals
• Export-Controlled Technologies and Documentation

While hand-carry exports are often a last minute decision, considerations for export formalities must be taken:

• The accompaniment of a commercial invoice detailing the item(s) description, count, place of
• manufacture, and value.
• All relevant items should be declared in Customs after the completion of immigration formalities.
• All documentation and receipt of duties paid should be saved by the traveler.

Cash payments should be avoided entirely and employees should refer to their company’s individual travel policies for guidance on such transactions.

It should also be noted that employees should make all efforts to engage in approved customs agents even in the case of a hand-carried export. Such individuals will have a greater understanding of the local regulations concerning these items.

All hand-carried exports should be approved prior to travel by internal trade compliance personnel, who may also advise of additional internal considerations and instructions on how to handle the re-importation of applicable materials. 

Contributor: Andy Pritchard