No customs forms any more when returning to US?
Jul 14, 2019, 3:47 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,715
Note that even without the form you can still be flagged when exiting customs - I got asked a few question after collecting luggage, I think because I had my daughter's bag (she exited early with Mrs. B) on the cart which maybe looked strange. But he waived us through when I told him we only had cookies and candy. I'll take a few random questions over the idiotic x-ray any day.
Jul 29, 2019, 8:15 am
#32
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 8
[left]
it happened to me also in ATL. On my way out from baggage claim, I was selected for a “ random “ survey. The officer was very pleasant. Followed him to side belts, opened my bigger suitcase that had some store bought coffee and chocolates. He briefly browsed through it, asked a couple of questions like address and zip code , then asked me to close the bag and exit. He was very polite the whole time. When you’re going to get taxed or fine on items, they let you know on the spot, right?
Note that even without the form you can still be flagged when exiting customs - I got asked a few question after collecting luggage, I think because I had my daughter's bag (she exited early with Mrs. B) on the cart which maybe looked strange. But he waived us through when I told him we only had cookies and candy. I'll take a few random questions over the idiotic x-ray any day.
it happened to me also in ATL. On my way out from baggage claim, I was selected for a “ random “ survey. The officer was very pleasant. Followed him to side belts, opened my bigger suitcase that had some store bought coffee and chocolates. He briefly browsed through it, asked a couple of questions like address and zip code , then asked me to close the bag and exit. He was very polite the whole time. When you’re going to get taxed or fine on items, they let you know on the spot, right?
Last edited by Blissfulpri; Jul 29, 2019 at 8:09 pm
Jul 30, 2019, 12:04 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA,UA,AS
Posts: 319
So am I right in assuming you no longer have to declare items purchased abroad then? I feel like CBP always made it a big deal to declare items being brought in. If I’m bringing more then my exemption allows how would the average person know how or where to declare those items? Or is CBP just not focused on collecting duty anymore?
Jul 30, 2019, 12:42 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,715
So am I right in assuming you no longer have to declare items purchased abroad then? I feel like CBP always made it a big deal to declare items being brought in. If I’m bringing more then my exemption allows how would the average person know how or where to declare those items? Or is CBP just not focused on collecting duty anymore?
Jul 30, 2019, 1:52 pm
#35
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: AA,UA,AS
Posts: 319
I get that you are still declaring items through GE or kiosks, but not having been up to an immigration booth for years, it sounds like it is now up to the immigration officer to record the items you’re declaring. It’s welcome to see CBP focus their efforts on targeting items which are possibly disruptive or harmful to the population.
Jul 31, 2019, 8:35 am
#36
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
I get that you are still declaring items through GE or kiosks, but not having been up to an immigration booth for years, it sounds like it is now up to the immigration officer to record the items you’re declaring. It’s welcome to see CBP focus their efforts on targeting items which are possibly disruptive or harmful to the population.
Jan 22, 2020, 9:36 am
#37
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 75
I spent Christmas in Florida last year (2019) and normally CBP forms are handed out during the flight, but they weren't, but I always use the downloadable form and fill it out on my computer beforehand anyways
When I got to the security/border bit in Tampa, the CBP guy said no he didn't want the form, which surprised me, but I'm glad, as it did cut down the time to get through security/border protection.
When I got to the security/border bit in Tampa, the CBP guy said no he didn't want the form, which surprised me, but I'm glad, as it did cut down the time to get through security/border protection.