Originally Posted by
sfpaul900
That's exactly the experience I had at Terminal C at EWR on 1/17. Mid-afternoon arrival from BOG, immigration was very quiet, no ticket printed by GE machine but I did notice an agent with a tablet as I exited. But nobody stopped me as we left customs. In 40+ years of international travel, that was a first. I even had the receipt for my new leather jacket handy to prove it was under $800 (bargains abound in Colombia) but nobody asked me. I almost felt like I was getting away with something.
This has been the norm at numerous airports for a couple years.
Normally the agent that takes your recipet (or marks you off on tablet) asks if you have anything to declare. No need to have a second guy ask that, when one will do.
If you think you're getting away with something, stop thinking that. The bags were scanned before the hit the claim belt. Even once on belt the dogs are sniffing for their treats.