Firearms Exports Alert to All Members
This notice informs individuals planning to travel outside the United States with firearms about recent issues regarding the acceptance of Form 4457 by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It emphasizes the importance of using the updated Form 4457 and provides guidance on how to address potential challenges at customs.
- Travelers should be aware that some CBP officials may not accept Form 4457 for temporary firearms exports. They can reference the CBP website to support their case. Gallagher recommends using the new Form 4457, which has an expiration date of September 30, 2022.
- If customs agents refuse to accept the form, clients should ask to speak to a supervisor or contact David Garcia at CBP for assistance. Gallagher is available for questions and support.
- The Form 4457 serves as proof of purchase for firearms, helping travelers avoid duties or taxes when re-entering the U.S. It is crucial to have the correct documentation before traveling.
The current status of Form 4457 for temporary firearms exports is unclear. While the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's website indicates that it accepts the form for export and re-import, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's website suggests that it may no longer be valid for this purpose.
Notice on Temporary Firearms Exports & Re-imports:
Use Form 4457
This is an important notice to all individuals who have future plans to travel outside of the United States with their firearms. Please be aware there have been recent reports of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) reluctance to accept completed Forms 4457 for temporary firearms exports. This confusion is due to that while the CBP website still states that they accept Form 4457 for temporary export and re-import of firearms, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) website states that Form 4457 may no longer be used for that purpose.
Customs Declaration Form 4457 helps U.S. travelers, especially hunters, provide proof for the customs agent that they indeed bought their expensive items (like firearms) in the States, so that when coming back to the States they do not need to pay duty or taxes on their items.
It has come to Gallagher’s attention that some CBP officials at some ports are not accepting Form 4457 provided by hunters as means of documentation upon returning to the United States with their firearms. Gallagher is recommending clients who come across this issue to respectfully inform the customs agents that CBP does in fact accept Form 4457 for this purpose and show the agents the exact text on the official CBP Website that states that From 447 is allowed.
In the event that this statement from the CBP website is not enough, ask to speak to the agent’s supervisor and if necessary, contact David Garcia, the Program Manager of CBP. He may be reached by phone at 202-344-3277 or email david.uscs.garcia@cbp.dhs.gov.
Please be advised there is a new Form 4457 available for download directly from the CBP website. This new form has an expiration date of September 30, 2022. The previous form did not have an expiration date so Gallagher recommends downloading and using this new form before future travel.
Don’t hesitate to ask us questions, call 303‑365‑1000 or email us anytime!