Originally Posted by
kmersh
He looked at me and said we are not concerned with chocolates, jeez and then he said, so do you know the trouble that you have caused, I am too busy to deal with this stuff. I apologized and said that when I went for my Global Entry Interview I was told to declare all food and not use my own personal judgement to what is food and what is not food. He said whoever told you that is an idiot and I wish that they were here right now to see what a pain in the ... that info has caused and he kept looking around the room for someone anyone.
What airport?
FWIW, chocolate under the duty free exemption (I'd have to confirm the amount--maybe 500g?) does not need to be declared. Still, erring on the side of caution is never a mistake by the pax.
I'd love to know why the agent thought it was a PITA to deal with. All he has to do is collect your slip and wave you on through.
Originally Posted by
kmersh
Finally he said get out of here and next time do not declare chocolates, I still declare them and since that one guy have always been thanked for declaring and twice have been sent to Agriculture Secondary, been asked about what food I had and when I said Chocolates the Officer has always said Chocolates are fine, one asked to see the box, the other just took my word for it, both Agriculture Officers said have a nice day and thanks for being honest.
I frequently am over the duty-free exemption for alcohol. I always declare it when over. I have been thanked for "being honest" several times by Customs. I've been sent to Ag inspection a few times, but often they just wave me on through. Only a couple of times total have they even x-rayed my bag. Never have they collected the duty or excise taxes, FWIW.