Originally Posted by
joshwex90
As far as I understand, the bigger issue with Global Entry (why they're strict) isn't immigration issues but rather customs issues.
Do other countries not have a fear of citizens breaking customs laws (importing without declaring, importing illegal stuff, etc.)? I'm not asking sarcastically - trying to understand how other countries (such as EU, Australia, etc.) deal with it.
Alternatively, am I completely not understanding this correctly? I only assume because GE also gets expedited customs clearance which others don't get, and MPC also makes bordern clearance quick (though admittedly, you do see someone, though quicker than with APC AFAIK)
At least in Europe, customs and immigration are just two completely separate issues. It's quite common to go through customs and immigration at different airports. They do pull "random" inspections (for some reason they always seem to be on flights from S. America at MAD...hmmmm) but Europe is, in general, not as paranoid about agricultural products compared to the US.