How detailed on B4 form

[tinytortoise]

I've read a variety of different ways to complete the B4 form and would like some advice from those that have already landed.

Some people list absolutely everything down to colour, brand name, etc. Others list "box of small kitchen appliances". Of course the latter way is a lot simpler, can we do it this way? Did those that did that then have a separate page listing out the details?

Also, jewelry. Do I need to take photos of my wedding rings even if they are on me? What about costume jewelry?

And lastly, what about things I've brought in the country while visiting (clothes, computer, etc). I'm not going to pack those up to go the border nor are they goods to follow. Do I not record those items?

Thanks

 

[Catou]

I haven't landed but the Canadian B4 is very similar to that which is used in other countries and I have loads of experience with that.

Have you read this? http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/form-b4-goods-to-followaccompanying-list-how-to-t44793.0.html;msg2238950#msg2238950

The only types of things where detail is needed are:
Electronic items - list make, model, and serial number.
Jewelery - description and photographs where possible. I will be doing what I've done for other countries - individual listing and photo for higher value items and a group photo of the costume jewelery.
Art and antiques - photos, description and valuations.

Everything else can be grouped. eg. 3 x boxes of books, x-value.

The goods you have with you include everything you have with you, including what you have on your person. eg. suitcase, rings, iPad, Kindle, or whatever. I've never bothered listing the clothes I'm wearing because they are self-evident The rings you wear when you land need to be listed with a photo and value. In theory, this is so you don't get hit with duty if you wear them on an overseas trip later. In practise, I've never known any country to ask for people to pay up on wedding rings but I guess it could happen.

The things you already have in Canada aren't relevant - they aren't being brought into the country. The purpose of the B4 is purely for border control of imported goods and determining whether duty has to be paid (it doesn't if the items are on a B4 for immigrants).

 

[bartjones]

I suppose everyone has a different experience, and it probably has a lot to do with the particular CBSA agent you get, but here is what happened to me.

Back in May my wife and I moved to Canada from South Korea. We moved about two thirds of a 40 foot container. It was about 130 boxes of goods in total. Our situation was a little different as we moved using a company who packed it all for us. They made a list of each box they packed with a general description of the contents of each box, which was not easy for them as none of them spoke English particularly well. For example, just about anything they packed from the kitchen were just marked "Kitchen Items". Their descriptions were not especially detailed. There was no detailed description of each item in each box. It was all very general.

We didn't fill out the B4 form. I simply presented the list to the CBSA agent who filled the B4 form out for us and attached the list as an appendix. So, the moral of the story, in our case at least, was that the very general descriptions were sufficient. Hope that helps.

 

[wilson]

I've read a variety of different ways to complete the B4 form and would like some advice from those that have already landed.

Some people list absolutely everything down to colour, brand name, etc. Others list "box of small kitchen appliances". Of course the latter way is a lot simpler, can we do it this way? Did those that did that then have a separate page listing out the details?

Also, jewelry. Do I need to take photos of my wedding rings even if they are on me? What about costume jewelry?

And lastly, what about things I've brought in the country while visiting (clothes, computer, etc). I'm not going to pack those up to go the border nor are they goods to follow. Do I not record those items?

Thanks

According to my experience the formalities while bringing our personal effects were simple and easy. When I landed I made goods to follow list on B4 as shown below.

Box No 1, 2,3 4 = Assorted personal clothing

Box No 5- Dinner set

Box 6, 7= Kitchen utensils

Box 8, 9, 10 = Miscellaneous household items

Box 11, 12 = Bed sheets, Bath towels, Blankets.

Box 13:Assorted shoes.

I did not prepare any individual list for accompanied baggage items which were 4 suitcases and 2 hand bags.

I did not have any problem while clearing goods and no one opened and checked the boxes.

My wife had mixed kind of jewelry total weighing approx 300 grams of gold. She took two photos of those ornaments placed on a desk at home. While landing the CBSA did not ask about it. They are not bothered to know about normal wearing jewelry or ornaments.

The CBSA usually ask whether any one bring alcohol or tobacco with them.

 

[tinytortoise]

Thanks everyone. I create my list like you all recommended: Box 1: Kitchen small appliances, etc and have another sheet with everything on it just in case. I said B4 form but I meant B4A. I probably won't move my things until the spring.