*URGENT HELP NEEDED* FedEx Providing Conflicting Advice on CBP Form 3299 for Household Goods Shipment

[Elavod 24]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m a U.S. citizen relocating back to the U.S. after living abroad for 17 years. I’m shipping my household goods, personal effects, and tools of trade to the U.S. and seeking duty-free entry under HTSUSA codes 9804.00.05, 9804.00.15, and 9804.00.20.

I’ve completed CBP Form 3299, and I’m working with FedEx to clear my shipment through U.S. Customs. However, I’m getting conflicting information from a FedEx representative, and I’m hoping someone here can clarify.

 

Issues I’m Facing:

 

1. Residency Status – “Emigration” vs. “Returning Resident”

- The CBP website states that U.S. citizens who have been abroad for 3+ years qualify as non-residents (CBP guidance: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1329?language=en\_US).

- Since I have lived abroad for 17 years, I selected “Emigration” on the form.

- FedEx is saying I should select “Returning Resident” because I have an SSN, but my understanding is that customs residency is based on time spent abroad, not SSN ownership.

 

2. Marking Multiple Boxes in Section 10 (Statements of Eligibility for Free Entry of Articles)

- The CBP Form 3299 instructions clearly state: “X all that apply.”

- The CBP website (source: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1329?language=en\_US) also confirms:

“Statement of Eligibility for Free Entry of Articles: Mark statements that apply to the articles being imported — note that more than one statement may be marked.”

- Since I am importing household goods (HTSUSA 9804.00.05) and tools of trade (HTSUSA 9804.00.15), I believe that I should mark both categories on the form.

- FedEx is saying that only one box can be checked and that checking multiple boxes will cause a rejection.

 

My Questions:

- Has anyone successfully checked multiple boxes in Section 10 of CBP Form 3299 when shipping with FedEx?

- Has anyone had issues with CBP rejecting shipments based on selecting “Emigration” instead of “Returning Resident”?

- Does FedEx have an internal policy that differs from CBP’s official guidance?

- If FedEx continues to insist on their interpretation, what is my best option?

 

I’d really appreciate any insights from anyone who has dealt with this process before. Thanks in advance!

cbp_form_3299_0-2.pdf