Know before you go this summer

People moving to the United States this summer should start preparing now by letting go of items banned from import, customs officials advise. It is also a good idea to apply early for import permits on restricted items.

“Prohibited items include meat and meat products, such as sausage, pate and salami, as well as plants and destructive devices,” said Mike Dean, U.S. European Command’s Customs and Border Clearance Agency director. “If you plan on shipping firearms, ensure you have proof you owned them in the U.S. or have an import permit.”

Other important points to remember are:

• Owners of vehicles not made to U.S. standards have to ship them through commercial importers registered with the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency. However, vehicles more than 25 years old are exempt from this rule.

• Most mopeds and motorcycles must also meet U.S. safety and pollution standards, and all vehicles must be free of dirt, insects and vegetation.

• Wine collections can only be shipped with advance approval from the transportation office.

• Endangered species items, such as ivory and some furs, may only be shipped if owners can prove they were previously owned in the U.S. or are antiques over 100 years old.

• State attorneys general must approve imports of gambling devices. These devices must be registered with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C.

For more information, locate a military customs office or check the military customs website at www.eur.army.mil/opm/customs/uscustoms.htm.