China customs questions, need immediate help!

[steve green]

I've got an four day shoot in Shanghai, traveling Weds (8/1) afternoon.

I'd like to bring two monstro's with me because the supplier in China only has Epic-W's available and we've got some night exteriors to shoot. I would bring both bodies in a carry on Think Tank bag and get all my support gear including lenses locally.

My question is if I only have a US registration form for getting back to the US, will I face any challenges getting into and more importantly, out of China customs?

Any firsthand information would certainly be appreciated!

 

[Michael Tiemann]

What you need is a carnet. We have use CarnetsXpress: http://www.carnetsxpress.com/. Tiffany is indeed very good to work with. Good luck...and give yourself a few days next time!

 

[steve green]

What you need is a carnet. We have use CarnetsXpress: http://www.carnetsxpress.com/. Tiffany is indeed very good to work with. Good luck...and give yourself a few days next time!

Can they get it done in 24 hours?

I'll get in touch with her, thanks, Michael!

 

[Nick Gardner]

Carnet is always better, but print out a list of all your items, price, country of origin, serial #s, register it with us customs have them stamp it before you leave. Bring bills of sale/reciepts. That should cover you for in and out, but they can always hit you up for a bond or cash to be released when you leave the country. This keeps you from illegally selling the stuff in country. Thats what a Carnet helps with.

Nick

 

[Sergio Perez]

I would strongly suggest renting this in China, or really find a local production house that can clear yourself from customs before you come in with the gear. China is very sensitive to camera gear. Make sure you have yourself covered from their side. The US should be the least of your worries!

 

[Matt Uhry]

HI Steve - Took a Red DSMC to and from China last year with no carnet and no issues. Your results may vary, no harm in a carnet, but carnets are a big pain in their own way, you need an entry and exit stamp ( 4 total ) for a simple trip, miss one and you're much worse off than not having got the carnet. The right customs guy with the stamp can be very elusive.

Have fun and eat all the Xiao Long Bao you can.

Matt

 

[steve green]

Thanks for all the good info. I'm going the safe route and renting in Shanghai. For the short duration of the shoot and no lead time, it's not worth the headaches.

 

[Maira Fravel]

Indeed, you can't be very sure about the regulations in foreign countries. Just rent stuff there. Happy trip!