Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, I have been travelling to the U.S. for over a decade. I bring some expensive equipment back and forth over the border every time. A pizza oven, golf clubs and some computerized special equipment for simulation racing. The racing stuff alone is worth over $4,000. Over the years, the individual items have been purchased either in Canada or in the U.S. All the U.S.-purchased items have been claimed within the Canadian exemption limits. I maintain a file of all the receipts for the items with their purchase dates. My question is twofold: would that be sufficient for Canadian Customs purposes? And, more important this year, for U.S. Customs with all the new tariff regulations? I remember the old days when there was a little cardboard form we would have for camera equipment used for crossing the border. Am I mistaken in remembering we used to get a stamp on it by Canada customs to “prove” it was purchased in Canada? Mike Meleskie Sherwood Park, AB Ed.: The cardboard card you are referring to is Form Y38. It has been replaced by Form BSF407 (Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation). It is a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) form used to register valuable personal items, such as electronics, tools, or sports equipment, before leaving Canada. It serves as proof that these goods were owned in Canada prior to travel, so you won’t have to pay duty or taxes when bringing them back. You can complete and have it stamped at a CBSA office, where officers will record serial numbers or descriptions of your items. Any new equipment purchased in the United States and brought back to Canada would be subject to your exemption limit of $800.00 CAD and would be subject to Canadian duties and taxes when you return to Canada. Dear Bird Talk, I am writing to ask your opinion on whether I am permitted to remove my front Ontario licence plate while vacationing in Florida. As Florida does not require front plates, I was wondering if it would be acceptable to remove mine during my stay. My reason for considering this is to potentially reduce the risk of damage to my vehicle while it is parked. I would appreciate your guidance on whether this would be allowed under Ontario regulations while temporarily out of province. Mark Conrad Ottawa, ON Ed.: If the front plate is required in your home jurisdiction (Ontario), then you will need to keep it on the vehicle even while visiting Florida, otherwise you will be breaking the law. Dear Bird Talk, Does anyone know if and how much (in $) we can bring into the United States without paying a tariff? We want to bring down some foodstuffs like soups, melba toast, Clamato juice, etc. and we don’t want to be hit with a 25% duty/tariff when we cross the border to go to Florida in October. Ted Karas Toronto, ON Ed.: As far as we know, Canadians have not been charged any tariffs on personal food items in their possession when entering the United States. Just remember that importing ruminant meat products into the U.S. is prohibited. Dear Bird Talk, We own a place in Florida. We are selling our Florida home. Can you recommend a safe area in Mexico that we can drive to. Guy Viggers Cloyne, ON Ed.: Several Canadian and American snowbirds have enjoyed the areas of San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala. There are vibrant “ex-pat” communities there. Dear Bird Talk, I renewed my passport recently, therefore the passport number on my I-94 will not match. Should I apply for the other form prior to my departure to the U.S.? What will happen when the border patrol scans my new passport. Will he also see my history of travel prior to this new passport? Monik Gagnon Pointe du Chene, NB Ed.: Yes, the Customs and Border Protection agent will see your previous travel history despite having a new passport number. The I-94 that you acquire when you enter the United States this year will reflect your new passport number. Your past I-94 registration is not relevant to your next visit of 30 days or longer. Dear Bird Talk, We are snowbirds and spend six months in Florida and we drive. I am a little confused on the requirements of the I-94 form. I have my recent I-94 record which shows my latest arrival and Admit Until Date, which was 2025 September 06. On entering the U.S. this October by car for six months, do I need to pre-register for the I-94 or do I cross the border with my passport only. Lindsay Brannen Wasaga Beach, ON Ed.: You do not need to pre-register. Cross the border with your passport in the same manner as you always have. You may have to pay $30.00 per person for your I-94 registration at the border, provide your digital fingerprint and have your photo taken, but that’s all. If the CBP agent doesn’t complete your I-94 registration, you will have to complete a G-325R form on the United States Citizenship and Immigration website when you reach your southern home. 6 | www.snowbirds.org
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