Robert Melius
Living and working from my home base in Santa Monica, CA, I am a Customs clearance specialist working for one of the major freight-forwarding companies located at the LAX international airport. In my free time, I am a blogger and author, writing about what I care about and what I am moved to share! Also, please bear in mind that I am not a lawyer, nor am I a licensed Customs broker. Advice I give on importing goods is meant to be a guide and should not be construed as legal advice. I cannot take responsibility for any issues that may arise with your personal situations and you must exercise "due diligence" in all your relations with importing.
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- 8/18/2009
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Ongoing studentMotto
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Displaying Results 1 - 32 (of 32) for Yahoo! Voices
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SubtletySome thoughts on God and why everything really is OK. Thank you, Kahlil Gibran, for making my life a little more serene and my treatment of my fellow humans a little more considerate.
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Best Pickled Beets to Make YourselfPickling and canning your own homemade beets is easy, trust me. I'll show you how, with just a few simple kitchen tools and good fresh beets and ingredients, you can make your own. You may never buy store bought pickled beets again! -
Pesto Recipe Tips, Ingredients and SuggestionsAmazing pesto is easy if you just follow a few simple rules. Quality ingredients and your imagination will have your guests thinking you are a master chef of Italian cuisine!
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Purple HaikuSimple, complex, evocative, the haiku and the grape.
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CITES, the Bluefin Tuna, and the Disaster in the Gulf of MexicoCITES regulators failed to place the Atlantic bluefin tuna under regulation this year. Overfishing of this food species may lead to shortages and extinction of the population. The Gulf Of Mexico is the only known spawning ground for the Atlantic species.
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The Fish & Wildlife Import Permit and When You Might Need ItIf your online purchase or import is regulated by Fish & Wildlife, this article will give you some tips and offer you some resources to get your shipment! Not all imports will require the permit, but if it does, you'll know what you need to do.
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Beach Ultimate Tournament in Santa MonicaThe Lei-Out Beach Ultimate Event takes place this week in Santa Monica. The event is a sport event in Santa Monica. Beach Ultimate Frisbee and the Lei-Out Beach Ultimate tournament event occurs on January 16 and 17. -
Prop 8 and the Televised DebateThe challenge to Prop 8, the CA law to deny the right of gays to marry, will be challenged in court and Federal Judge Walker is considering allowing cameras in the courtroom. Your opinion will influence his decision. Find out why.
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New Years for the Family in Santa MonicaNew Year's Eve in Santa Monica has plenty of fun for the whole family. With wonderful places to eat, awesome events to attend, and local fireworks, Santa Monica offers a family friendly New Year's Eve celebration for everyone!
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Traveling with Your PetIf you're planning on taking your pet on your holiday travels, follow these tips to minimize upsetting your pet and yourself.
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'Tis the Season ... for Whale WatchingWhale watching is one of the great attractions of Southern California living. If you are visiting Southern California between late December through April, it's a must-see attraction.
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Alternative Rockers and KCRW's ESPWhen it comes to alternative rock trends and upcoming alternative rock bands, KCRW, a Santa Monica radio station, just seems to know who is going to be hot. KCRW is routinely weeks or months ahead of the curve.
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Cheap NFL Jerseys Online - What You Need to KnowNFL jerseys are trademarked, and buying cheap knockoffs online could result in you losing your money and never getting your jerseys. Here are some dangers of buying cheap NFL jerseys online.
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The L.A. Budget Crisis and Its RepercussionsThe Los Angeles (LA) budget crisis and its repercussions for residents and visitors to the city will be the focus of this article. The LA budget crisis will impact residents and non-residents alike.
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Travelers-- Expect Increased Security at Airport Check InDue to the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day, airports and the TSA will be increasing security at airport check in. In this article, I will explain what you should expect.
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Customs Form 3299 Has Broad Applications in Specific InstancesThe U.S. Customs form 3299 is used to import your used, personal goods into the States.
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Importing Watches Requires Additional Customs DocumentationThere is some additional documentation required for the importation of watches, and being aware of this can help you avoid delays in U.S. Customs clearance of your shipment.
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Avoid Customs Clearance DelaysThere are some very simple mistakes that importers make that are easily avoided. Follow these tips for importing, and you will make it much simpler and less stressful on yourself.
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Christmas and U.S. Customs - Importing Gifts Made SimpleCustoms does try to be understanding of Christmas gift imports, but there are ways you and your shipper can assist to make the clearance process easier.
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Completing the DOT Form HS-7 for Auto Part ImportsThe DOT requires the HS-7 form for any import of auto parts that are considered to be part of an auto's safety equipment, even if it's a personal shipment. Here are some tips for completing the form.
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Tattoo Kit Imports Are FDA-RegulatedBuying a tattoo kit online is a great way to get started learning to tattoo, but some of the kit's components may have FDA restrictions if they are being imported from outside the U.S. This article will help you avoid that.
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E-Cigarettes - Use Caution Buying OnlineE-cigarette imports have been restricted by the FDA. This may affect you if you order e-cigarettes online. Knowing this before you buy could determine whether you get your e-cigarettes or lose your money.
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HID Conversion Kits and DOT RestrictionsHID conversion kits are illegal to manufacture or sell in the U.S. If you've purchased a kit online and have been contacted by the carrier, prepare to have your purchase rejected. There are ways to get your money back.
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Sunglasses and the FDAIf your online purchase of sunglasses or other eyewear is shipped to you from a foreign vendor, you will be required to clear not only U.S. Customs, but the FDA as well. Knowing what is required by both agencies will make the process smoother and easier!
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Garment Requirements for U.S. CustomsIn today's online shopping world, often purchases can be shipped directly from a vendor's foreign supplier. Here are some useful tips to make sure they get through U.S. Customs clearance with as little delay as possible.
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Things to Know About Importing WineIn this article I will provide you with some hints to importing personal wine shipments to the U.S. There are some tips that will make it easier for your gift to get through the Customs process.
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Import Tips for TravelersEven if you're just sending home your bag of dirty laundry, there are some customs requirements you will need to be aware of.
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Commercial Invoice - Your Golden DocumentThis article explains why a commercial invoice is critical to accurate clearance of imports to the U.S. It can assist you with a smoother, more seamless import.
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Tips for New Business ImportersImporting can be tricky, but there are a few simple things you can do to avoid the most common hangups new importers experience.
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Eco-Friendly Gift IdeasIn this article, I will give you 3 very cool eco-friendly gift ideas. There are many more, but this will get your juices flowing!
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Winter Day's EndA holiday haiku.
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Why Does U.S. Customs Want My Social Security Number?Why you might be asked to provide your Social Security number if you import into the US. Why Customs and freight forwarding companies ask for your Social Security number when you import, even if it's just a Christmas gift you ordered online.