When you go through global entry did they not ask or did they ask and then when you answered, they just flagged you through? There used to be a form or questions asked on the screen but now it takes your picture and that’s allIt really is so random. I was charged $250 duty a few months ago flying back into the US with purchases of about $7k value. Recently returned, from same place, to same airport, with purchases of about $13k value and no duty charged.
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
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Yes it’s totally confusing. They didn’t ask this time (last time I flew they did), but I know they can see your purchase records on their computer while they’re talking to you so I volunteered the info. I said “I made about $XXk worth of purchases on my trip” and the person asked, “is any of it meat?” and when I said no she waved me off.
Funny, I just came through, having declared purchases on my online form and to the officer doing the passport check, and he said “you’re all set, go through” and reminded me that because I have both MPC and Global Entry I could have gone to the Global Entry kiosk (the process is so opaque IMO). I expected to see officers after picking up my bag but nada. At the exit there were four, standing around. I asked about paying duty, and they asked if I had meat or cash then waived me through. 🤷♀️ No meat, no cash, but a horde of cheese and a few other things
During our trip we wondered whether the DOGE cuts would impact duty collection positively (too few headcount for them to care) or negatively (push to get more revenue). Guess it was the former, so far at least!
I didn’t realize you can bring cheese back! Tell me more! Heading to France soon 😬Funny, I just came through, having declared purchases on my online form and to the officer doing the passport check, and he said “you’re all set, go through” and reminded me that because I have both MPC and Global Entry I could have gone to the Global Entry kiosk (the process is so opaque IMO). I expected to see officers after picking up my bag but nada. At the exit there were four, standing around. I asked about paying duty, and they asked if I had meat or cash then waived me through. 🤷♀️ No meat, no cash, but a horde of cheese and a few other things
Yup! Small amounts for personal consumption, including raw milk cheeses. Gotta leave that wheel of Comté in France 
Almost all of the shops will vacuum seal the cheese for you and in a checked bag it’s just fine. Happy shopping!
Almost all of the shops will vacuum seal the cheese for you and in a checked bag it’s just fine. Happy shopping!
I am French and didn’t know! Thank you!Yup! Small amounts for personal consumption, including raw milk cheeses. Gotta leave that wheel of Comté in France
Does anyone know (ideally from personal experience) if you can get the VAT refund in cash the night before your flight?
I have an early morning flight back to the US so I will be staying at an airport hotel the night before. It looks like the VAT refund office at CDG is open until 11pm and I'll have my boarding pass on my phone....It would be save me so much time to be able to do this the night before!
I have an early morning flight back to the US so I will be staying at an airport hotel the night before. It looks like the VAT refund office at CDG is open until 11pm and I'll have my boarding pass on my phone....It would be save me so much time to be able to do this the night before!
I will be returning with some H loot (hopefully) to the US in a couple of weeks and I have GE. These days there is not even a form, they just take a picture. Should I approach the officer and volunteer the information? In the past I just took a chance walking out but I am getting too old for that. I would rather keep my boxes and pay some tax instead of frantically repacking after getting the refund and potentially loosing GE.
That is what I do. I approach the officer even if they wave me through.
You never know what they see in their computer screen when they ask you if you have anything to declare, since I know from personal experience that they do in fact receive information from French customs. Maybe not each and every time, but it does happen.
And depending on the airport, I’m usually charged a flat 3% so it’s not worth the risk to me.
Yes that’s what you’re supposed to do. They can see your tax free purchases at customs/immigration now so I wouldn’t chance it. Loss of GE alone is enough to scare me from doing that, much less any penalties!
Thank you! Do you know when they began having access? Last time I went though with serious purchases was September and I was not stopped
I don’t know when, but it’s kind of random as to whether or when they stop you. You’re supposed to volunteer the info when you get to a person either way.