Generally I get through customs without problems. Maybe it's because I have an honest face. Maybe it's because I have cat hair on my clothes (A plaque in my kitchen says "Never trust anyone without a little cat hair on their clothes!)

But once coming through U-S Customs in EWR
straight from Hong Kong wrapping up my China Trip I had two big shopping bags full of gifts (they were small jade statues, jewelry
and ash trays shaped like the Great Wall Of China.) This angry looking Customs agent waved me over and told me to put the bags.

Beforehand, I listed EVERYTHING that I bought in China. The total value in U-S dollars was
about 250 dollars. The list took up four cards. He started looking through the cards and I started taking otu each item, one at a time, starting with the Great Wall of China
Ashtrays. He got flustered said "Oh this is all junk anyway" and told me to get out of there.

I do declare when I have to. Mostly I ship. (the BeerSteins from Vienna had to be carried to the U-S as well as Holly's Paris Hermes scarf) and I list everything. Even the stuffed toy mice I got in Vienna for the cats. I guess honesty pays. CATMAN