Declaring Free Entry of Unaccompanied Goods
If you’re a Canadian heading to the United States for a long period of time, chances are you’re bringing more than just your suitcase. Many long-term U.S. visitors—whether they are temporary migrants, students, or snowbirds heading south for the winter—choose to ship their car, household belongings, or other goods to wherever they will be residing during their stay. But before those items can cross the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires one important document: Form 3299, the Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles.
If your car or personal effects are being shipped separately rather than driven or carried by you personally, this form is your key to ensuring a smooth and duty-free entry into the United States.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what CBP Form 3299 is, who needs it, how to complete it, and how Cross Country Valet helps make the entire process effortless for Canadian snowbirds and other U.S. visitors.
What Is CBP Form 3299?
CBP Form 3299, officially titled “Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles,” is a U.S. Customs document used when personal belongings are imported separately from the traveler.
In simpler terms: if your household goods, car, or personal effects are being transported on your behalf (for example, by a shipping company or driveaway service provider) you need this form to declare those items to U.S. Customs.
The purpose of Form 3299 is to confirm that the imported items are your personal property and that they qualify for duty-free entry under U.S. customs regulations.
Why Snowbirds Need It
For Canadian snowbirds, CBP Form 3299 comes into play when you:
- Ship your car across the border using an auto transport company
- Send personal items or household goods to your U.S. address by moving service or courier
- Have belongings arriving at a U.S. port or border crossing separately from you
Even though you might not be moving permanently, your items are still considered an “import” under U.S. customs law. CBP uses Form 3299 to document and approve their entry—usually without duty or taxes, as long as the items are for your own use.
Without this form, your car or goods can be delayed, held, or even denied entry at the border.
Who Else Needs Form 3299?
While CBP Form 3299 is common for Canadian snowbirds, it’s not just for seasonal travelers. The form is used in a variety of other situations where personal belongings or household goods are imported separately from the owner.
For example, U.S. citizens returning home after living abroad use Form 3299 to bring back their household effects duty-free. Similarly, foreign nationals moving to the U.S. for work or study may need to complete the form when their personal shipments arrive before or after them.
The form also applies to diplomats, government employees, and members of the military who are returning to the U.S. with household goods that were used overseas. In each case, the items being imported are considered “unaccompanied,” meaning they’re not traveling with the individual personally but arriving as a separate shipment.
So, while Canadian snowbirds are one of the most common groups to use it seasonally, anyone bringing personal property into the U.S. separately from their arrival may be required to file this form.
What the Form Covers
CBP Form 3299 applies to a variety of personal goods, including:
- Automobiles and motorcycles
- Furniture and household effects
- Clothing and personal items
- Sports or recreational equipment
- Tools or hobby items
However, it does not apply to goods that are intended for sale, business use, or commercial importation. The form is strictly for personal effects, i.e., items you already own and are bringing into the U.S. for personal use or as part of your seasonal stay.
How to Complete CBP Form 3299
Below is a breakdown of each part of CBP Form 3299 (PDF available here) and what you’ll generally need to fill in. At Cross Country Valet, we fill out the form on behalf of our clients to make the process smoother, but it’s still a good idea to understand each section of the form.
Part I – Identification of Unaccompanied Articles & Applicant Information
In this section, you provide your basic identity and contact details, and describe the shipment. You’ll need to include:
- Your full name, date of birth, and citizenship
- Your U.S. address (where the goods will be delivered) and your Canadian address
- Contact information (phone, email)
- A description of the shipment (e.g. “household goods,” “automobile,” “personal effects”)
- The origin of your goods (where they are coming from)
This part establishes you as the importer/applicant of the unaccompanied articles.
Part II – Declaration of Residency Status and Goods Eligibility
Here you will indicate your current place of residence and your residency status in the United States, i.e., whether you are a returning resident, emigrant, or visitor.
You will also indicate which criteria for free entry of goods are applicable to the goods that you are importing. For nonresidents, it is important to declare that the goods have been owned by you for at least one year, are not intended for anyone else or for resale, and that the vehicle that is being used to convey the goods is also for personal use only. If none of these statements are true, then the goods won’t be eligible for duty-free entry.
Part III – For U.S. Personnel and Evacuees
This section is only applicable for returning U.S. personnel (e.g., military members or diplomats) or evacuees. If that doesn’t apply to you, leave it blank.
Part IV – Inventory of Articles
Part IV is where you itemize what you’re importing. You don’t need to list every single sock or fork, but you should provide a clear and honest general description. Typical entries might include categories like “household furniture,” “clothing and personal effects,” “sporting goods,” or “automobile.” For vehicles, include make, model, year, and VIN (if applicable).
The idea is to give Customs enough information to know roughly what’s in the shipment without overwhelming detail.
Part V – Carrier’s Certificate and Release Order
Part V is to be filled out by the carrier who is responsible for transporting your goods. They will provide their company name and signature, testifying that you are the owner of the goods.
Part VI – Signature, Date, and Official Use
Finally, in Part VI, you will sign and date the form, certifying that all statements are true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
You can also authorize an agent, such as the transport company, to sign on your behalf.
Supporting Documents You May Need
When submitting CBP Form 3299, you may need to include supporting paperwork such as:
- A copy of your passport or proof of identity
- Proof of ownership for your vehicle or major items
- If importing a car permanently: U.S. EPA and DOT compliance documents
The company you hired to transport your goods can help you understand which additional documents are required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a small error on CBP Form 3299 can cause unnecessary delays. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch for:
- Incomplete or inconsistent information – Make sure your name, address, and shipment details match across all documents.
- Listing items for resale – Anything intended for sale, even secondhand, does not qualify for duty-free entry.
- Omitting vehicle details – If you’re importing a car, ensure you include VIN, make, model, and year.
- Failing to sign the form – Customs won’t process an unsigned form.
Double-check everything before signing off on the form to prevent having issues at the border.
Tips for a Smooth Cross-Border Shipment
The best way to ensure a smooth shipment is to work with a transport company experienced in cross-border vehicle delivery. At Cross Country Valet, our experienced team handles all aspects of customs forms, border coordination, and transport, so you can focus on getting yourself to where you’re going without worrying about the logistics of moving your stuff.
Learn more about our snowbird vehicle transport services.