Originally Posted by i0wnj00

LAX
I filled out form 6059B because I had two bottles of tequila and wanted to declare it. That put me over the 1 liter limit. 750 ml each.
I tried to hand the 6059B over to one of desks after checking in at the GE kiosk. She waved me away and told me "We don't need it."

Went over to the baggage area and found an CBP officer walking towards a secured door so I can declare it. He read my declaration it, and told me that I didn't need to worry about it because my declaration is under $800. I told him that I was only allowed 1 liter and that I would be over because both bottles were 750 ml. He again told me not to worry about it and left without taking my 6059B.

Two months ago, I tried to declare a hat to the officer at the same two desks but was told not worry about and thanked me for the declaration.

I was satisfied in the first case that an CBP officer heard me make an verbal declaration even though I could have been taxed on it.

I'm getting the impression that they don't really want to deal with this stuff because a few years ago I crossed the land border with Canada and declared 5 bottles of wine, 1 bottle of bourbon and 6 cans of hard cider and I was only told. "Are you sure?" After I said yes, he let me go....but I drove slowly away because I was puzzled I was allowed to bring in this much without paying any duties.