Do you need a US Customs and Border Control Form 4457 when leaving the US?
Many people do not even know that this is an option. This small form (5.5”x4.24”) is proof that your valuable personal items were purchased and owned in the United States prior to your International travel. The significance of this document is to keep U.S. Customs and Border Protection from thinking you may have bought the items abroad and in turn charging you U.S. Duty (Tax) upon re-entry into the United States. It doesn’t happen very often, but I have heard stories of photographers having to pay taxes on their gear when they have re-entered the United States. I keep this form with me whenever I travel and get a new one when I buy new lenses or photography gear. It gives me that peace of mind when I am going through airport security.
To get one, you can use this link US Customs Form 4457 to download the form. Take it to your nearest Homeland Security office. They are usually located near the airport. They will verify your serial numbers and then stamp your form. It’s free and you will have to bring all of your items with you when you get your form stamped. Here are the guidelines: Registering Equipment Prior to Traveling
It’s as easy as that. I have only had one experience with airport security outside of the US when Tel Aviv Airport security inspected every lens and camera body I carried, looking through each lens barrel while keeping me waiting for 1 hour before I could board my plane. They asked many questions: where did I purchase my gear? (they looked surprised when I pulled out my customs form), what had I photographed? where I had been? who hired me to go there? what business did I have in the last few countries I had visited in my passport? etc….
My suggestion would be to get this form just in case, especially if you carry a lot of photography gear, electronics or valuable jewelry.