Originally Posted by
krazykanuck
Yep, and also IME most customs folks are pretty easy going if you're honest and forthcoming. When I was coming back from South Africa a couple of years ago I was over my duty free alcohol allowance, which is not hard coming back from there with wine. I straight up told the CBP officer at Abu Dhabi (stupid preclearance), he asked me by how much I was over. It wasn't a lot, a couple bottles, but over the limit is over the limit. He said thanks for declaring it and it was fine, have a nice flight.
I've heard a few similar anecdotes. I guess the logic is:
1. At least they declared it, and
2. I don't want to deal with charging them a few cents for the duty.
I'm glad that customs offers are allowed to use their discretion in situations like these.