Personal and returned goods · CBP
CBP Form 4455: Certificate of Registration
CBP Form 4455 registers articles with CBP before they leave the United States. On return, it is proof that these are the same articles you exported.
At a glance
- Issued by
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Rules
- 19 CFR 10.8, 10.9, 10.68 and Part 148
- When
- Before export, with the articles
- Who signs
- The owner or agent, and a CBP officer
- Current edition
- CBP Form 4455 (06/25)
CBP Form 4455
What is CBP Form 4455?
CBP Form 4455 is the Certificate of Registration. A CBP officer examines the articles before export and certifies the form.
The form records why the articles go abroad: alteration, processing, repair, replacement, use abroad or another reason.
On return, the importer signs the Certificate on Return and claims duty-free entry, or duty only on the work done abroad.
Who and when
Who needs it and when?
- Businesses that send equipment abroad for repair or alteration. The cost or value of the work abroad is subject to duty (form note).
- Companies that send articles abroad for use, for example tools or exhibit items, and bring them back.
- Nonresidents on a short visit can be asked to list articles of substantial value on it (19 CFR 148.8).
Roles
Who signs it and who files it?
- The owner or agent lists the articles and signs.
- A CBP officer examines the articles and signs that they were examined, or laden under CBP supervision. Ask the port how many copies it needs (form note).
- On return, the importer signs the Certificate on Return, and your broker presents the certified 4455 with the entry.
Avoid delays
What mistakes delay it?
No CBP examination before export
The certificate has value only when CBP examines the articles and certifies it before they leave.Vague descriptions
List each article with its marks and serial numbers, so CBP can match it on return.Repairs not declared
Declare the cost or value of the work abroad on return. It is dutiable.
Official source
Where do I get the official form?
Travelers who register personal items, such as cameras or laptops, use CBP Form 4457 instead.
- Official pageCBP Form 4455 on cbp.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Current formCBP Form 4455 (PDF, cbp.gov) (opens in a new tab)
- Also officialCBP Form 4457, personal effects taken abroad (cbp.gov) (opens in a new tab)
Edition checked on September 26, 2026: CBP Form 4455 (06/25), posted June 17, 2025. We link to the official source and do not host copies, because agencies replace forms without notice.
Allied CHB
How can Allied help with CBP Form 4455?
We tell you what to register before export, and we file the entry with the certified 4455 when the articles come back.
Allied CHB is a licensed U.S. customs broker in Rahway, New Jersey, CBP filer code 9AJ. We file at all U.S. ports of entry.
U.S. goods returned Entries for articles that come back after repair or use abroad.
Request: Help with CBP Form 4455
Quote on request
Questions
What else do people ask about CBP Form 4455?
Is CBP Form 4455 required to bring articles back?
Not always. It is the simplest proof that the articles are the ones you exported. Without it, you rely on other export records.
What is the difference between Form 4455 and Form 4457?
Form 4455 is for articles exported for repair, alteration, processing or use abroad. Form 4457 registers personal effects that travelers take abroad.
Where do I get the 4455 certified?
At the CBP office at the port of export, before the articles leave. Bring the articles for examination.
Need help with CBP Form 4455?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed September 26, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.