US Customs discussion - airports, importing

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#631
mauihappyplace said:
Sorry I don’t know how to directly link articles but in light of some of our recent discussions found this article interesting

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Great to see such news especially as more people are traveling to Europe and not declaring. Hopefully this will further dissuade people from breaking the law.

On the topic of the items, 41 new items for one trip seems very excessive in my opinion. I wouldn’t be surprised if the officers potentially suspected the travelers of buying for commercial use. Regardless, someone definitely got lucky at Sèvres (nice petit h dress and marble scarf).
 
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#635
I just came back from Europe. I declared my purchases (as always). The officer whipped out a calculator and gave me the amount to pay. You may use a credit card to pay if you'd like.
On the inspection counter beside me though, there was a man that was pulled to the side. He hand-carried a shopping bag (from a popular French brand) containing a bag that he purchased and allegedly didn't declare. The officer said: "I will charge you three times the cost of that. What other purchases did you make? Are you sure? Was it in Euros or in Dollars?"
If you need to lie to save some money, don't do it. It is illegal and definitely not worth it!
 
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#639
On my return from Paris through GE at SEA-TAC last month, I told the first CBP Officer I saw that I had items to declare. He directed me, with an escort, to the next location where several agents went through my detaxe paperwork. They all continually expressed gratitude at my honesty (I was only charged $1.5k on my €30k purchases), and shared a horror story about a couple the previous evening that had originally declared €15k but then were found to have an additional €35k throughout their luggage. They seized everything and charged them $20k! In the end they returned the items (only after the cc payment cleared). Not worth it to me….EVER!
 
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#640
I went to declare my Goyard bag that I bought in Paris. After the customs agent asked the price (this was in Washington Dulles airport), he told me to gather my receipts and he waved us thru, without collecting duty. I’m guessing that the relatively low amount he’d be collecting (duty on about $500 above the $1600 allowance) wasn’t worth it to him.
 
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#641
Pre Covid there was always someone stationed on the exit at DFW, and I always told the agents, yes I shopped and exceeded the $800. Only once in at least 10 trips, was I asked to pay additional duties. It was only $125 on at least $5000 of purchases. Every other time they waved me through. Every airport is different.
 
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#642
Transited through ATL with my orange bag from CDG DF and wasn’t given any form or even asked about any declarations. Was a small purchase (H relative) but was surprised that I wasn’t even asked.
 
#643
Many airports are not assigning BP or Customs agents to that duty anymore. There are no written forms, and regardless if you use Global Entry, you are required to seek out an agent and declare if you are over the limit.
They are transitioning to use the agents elsewhere, so this will become the norm at all entries- it is the travelers responsibility.
 
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#644
Edit to add- I hope the tone of my above post did/does not offend anyone. The USCBP site is not always user friendly, not do they put this info readily out there. But it IS the new norm that the traveler must seek out an agent if one is not available and declare.
 
#645
nymeria said:
Edit to add- I hope the tone of my above post did/does not offend anyone. The USCBP site is not always user friendly, not do they put this info readily out there. But it IS the new norm that the traveler must seek out an agent if one is not available and declare.
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Yes, and in addition, because the French customs shares their data with CBP, your purchase may very well be reported if you filed a tax refund. So those who do not seek out an agent may get a lovely note from Customs.
 
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