As many AGTA Members prepare to travel overseas to the Hong Kong Show and beyond, please be aware of the restrictions now in place if traveling with your jadeite or ruby jewelry as found in the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act. Rubies and jadeite of non-Burmese origin are not restricted, but questions may arise upon re-entry to the U.S. from abroad.

An exception to the JADE Act allows the importation of Burmese ruby and jadeite that were in the US prior to September 27, 2008, or that are for personal use.

The exception is applicable under the following circumstances:

• The articles may only be re-imported into the US by the same entity that was the exporter, and
• The articles may not have been "advanced in value" or "improved in condition" by any process or other means while outside the US.

Parties who are exporting these articles from the US, and intend to re-import the same articles, have been advised by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to register the goods prior to export by either of these methods:

• Register the articles on a CBP Form 4455 (Certificate of Registration) or a CBP Form 4457 (Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad); or,
• Use a carnet issued by the U.S. Council for International Business (CIB). This is suitable for commercial samples and items for trade shows and exhibitions. A carnet is a “Merchandise Passport;” an international customs document that simplifies customs procedures for the temporary importation of various types of goods. Applications for carnets can be found at the CIB website, http://www.uscib.org/.

CBP Forms are available on the U.S. Customs website. If you have any further questions, please call the Jewelers Vigilance Committee at 212-997-2002.