US laws regarding your personal data

If you’re shipping your goods to the United States then you need to be aware of important information regarding your personal data.

Under the current U.S law, third party companies can access and examine vessel manifests and summarise statistical reports of imports and exports, including household goods shipments. This information includes elements such as your name, your address, passport number, and the name and address to which the shipment is consigned. These third-party companies can copy this information for publication and disseminate to entities that have purchased their services.

Because of the potential threat of identity theft, this policy has obviously prompted complaints regarding privacy issues and US Customs and Border Control has facilitated a method where an individual can request confidential treatment for your shipment. Unfortunately, this must be done on an individual basis.

You can request confidentiality on your shipment by writing to the following:

Laurence E. Castelli – CBP Privacy Officer
U.S Customs and Border Protection
Regulations and Rulings
Office of International Trade 
799 9th Street, NW, 7th Floor
Washington, D.C 20229

This letter should include your full name as it appears on your passport, your U.S Social Security Number (if applicable) or your passport number, together with the delivery address in the United States. If you do not have a delivery address, you should use the address of the destination agent who will be handling the delivery of your household goods and personal effects in the United States.

If you are moving to the USA and require more information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.