I spent more this trip than prev trips, but not by a ton.. maybe the difference of $1k, and I traveled with 2-3 people always. I do think it’s a bit random but maybe I did just hit a threshold where they care more. I spent about $7k. The duty amount certainly seemed random as I can’t figure out how they got to the $175 figure to charge me!
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
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I spent more this trip than prev trips, but not by a ton.. maybe the difference of $1k, and I traveled with 2-3 people always. I do think it’s a bit random but maybe I did just hit a threshold where they care more. I spent about $7k. The duty amount certainly seemed random as I can’t figure out how they got to the $175 figure to charge me!
Yes, I was charged duty this time. I always declare, but this is only the second time in many years of overseas travel that I have had to pay. Perhaps it depends upon the amount of the items which are purchased(less the exemption) possibly the type of articles purchased and possibly the custom officer’s discretion. Idk .
In my experience, 1) duty is being charged on the full amount more often and 2) I am seeing many, many more people pulled aside at customs. (FWIW I go back and forth US-EU minimum once a month, usually more.)
I think customs are now much more aware that more people buy stuff in Europe. Now when I travel back to the US from Asia, I am asked if I bring food (this has been the case for many years) and when I travel back from Europe (i feel that happens more recently in the last year or so), I am asked if I buy gifts like bags and luxury goods.
Traveling back to the US with a partner, collectively you have spend up to $1600 USD without owing duty. If the entire purchase is reflected on one passport (for example, an Hermes shawl that's 1300GBP), must you declare when entering the US, since the purchase is over the $800 individual allowance (when using Global Entry, each person passes through individually) and you simply don't owe anything, or do you technically have nothing to declare? I know that CBP can see the transaction associated with your passport. Thank you.
I object (conscientiously) to paying tax for my personal purchases!!! I’d simply throw away the packaging and keep just the items in my hand luggage. Use it by all means and say you’ve had it for years. Why should we pay taxes twice - once for income tax, then for money we own to spend on things we deserve? F the whole tax system.
Yes, declare it… doesn’t hurt since it will be under the exemption anyway. If you don’t, you just never know if someone is having a bad day and going to fine you for not declaring— that would infuriate me since there’s no downside to declaring anyway in your case.
I always declare. Flew from Paris CDG to New York JFK in Dec 2024. Declared $5K at Global Entry exit and was waved through and not asked to pay duty.
My impression is that they are focusing on people who spend a lot and they seem to check you via a list.
My impression is that they are focusing on people who spend a lot and they seem to check you via a list.
If you are looking to not declare purchases, then you shouldn't plan on buying anything that would need to be declared. There are people I know who have gotten fined, cannot apply for Global Entry, etc. who have chosen to not declare. Personally I do not know the landscape at PHL and would assume there is a component of "it depends on which officer you get" like there is at other airports.
ETA: This is wrong advice but will keep it here in case good learning for anyone else.
Is PHL a layover to your home airport? You only need to declare when you exit customs (at your home airport), not the layover.
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hmm I'm not sure about that... The last time I flew with a connection, I had to go through customs at my first port of entry into the United States, then go on to my domestic flight to my final destination. Unfortunately unlike my regular home airport, this airport was not as generous and I had to pay the full tax instead of flat 3% like my home airport usually does.
@Bdbunny, this is correct. First port of entry into the US.
I returned from Africa last week through JFK, the CBP officer was very generous and only charged 5% on my purchases (H leather items purchased at Schipol, Gold/Diamond jewelry in Cape Town). It was also very fast! The longest wait was for my luggage.
My bad, I must be mis-remembering previous experiences. I’m gonna edit my post. TY for the correction!