What happens to the Customs Forms?
 

I've always wondered what happens to the customs forms that you have to hand in when you enter into the US (not the immigration forms but the blue customs one)?

Do they put all this info into a database or are they required by some privacy law to discard the information after a certain period of time?

Just thought it would be interesting to know, as other places like the EU and Hong Kong don't require these forms at all. Wondered what was the point of them in the USA.

I know at one point several years ago, Customs gave them to the State of California (in CA) and the state was sending Use Tax bills to CA residents based upon the value of goods imported. This proved to be quite unpopular and was eliminated. But they do have a potential after-life after you drop them off.

Massachusetts does this now.

Privacy law? This is the United States of America, 2006. We don't need no stinkin' privacy laws.
:)

Perhaps the government sells them at auction together with confiscated goods and things left at security checkpoints, they could make some decent revenue that way.

Physicists refer to the location of these items as a black hole. :)

I've often wondered why it's necessary to fill out a customs form when you're coming in by air, but not when you drive across the border.... :)

I've often wondered why it is necessary at all. Can't recall ever having to do this when visiting western Europe.....

Not to mention that no one knows how to fill them out - or to answer the questions.

The listing on the back is only necessary if you're over your allowance, but I see many people scribbling things like a $25 dollar sweater on the back.

Also, they ask you if you have food, rather than asking about food that's not on the approved list. I have chocolate all the time, but just check "no", knowing that I'll get the third degree if I check yes, even though there is no problem with what I have.

Looking at the form, you'll see this on the back at the bottom:

There you go, it gives a hint as to what they do with these forms. They also are collected for statistical and historical as well as legal enforcement purposes.

Sanosuke!

I only receintly (on my last trip back into the US) learned this. The verbage on the back of the form is very misleading. It says that you must declare ALL goods purchased abroad, which imples that you have to write down all goods purchased abroad. Of course what it really means is that you have to tell the agent about stuff you bought if asked, but you don't need to fill it out.

LOL, I fill it out.
If it is only for going over your allowance the forms don't say so, however, if that is the case, the wording on the form can lead someone to fill it out even if you really aren't required to if you are not over the limit.

If you are a U.S. resident, print the total value of all goods (including commercial merchandise) you or any family members traveling with you have purchased or acquired abroad (including gifts for someone else, but not items mailed to the United States) and are bringing into the United States.

If you are a visitor (non-U.S. Resident), print the total value of all goods (including commercial merchandise) you or any family members traveling with you are bringing into the United States and will remain in the United States.
Note: Visitors (non-U.S. Residents) are normally entitled to an exemption of $100.

Declare all articles on this form. For gifts, please indicate the retail value. Use the reverse side of this form if additional space is needed to list the items you will declare.

I'm one of those conscientious people that fill the form out seriously. I just recently listed all my key chains and souvenirs. I used up every line and spent less than $100. :( :rolleyes:
Great question! So do I need to fill it out next time?

I will list things in general catagories - like "Miscellaneous Candy", "Miscellaneous Clothing", etc. and put an estimated value.

I was once told by an immigration officer (land border) that declaring nothing can be suspicious. He had an elderly couple who had spent a week in Toronto coming back to Michigan. He asked what they bought and they said "nothing". It was a little suspicious so they searched the vehicle and found 200 beanie babies they bought in Canada for resale in MI. If they had declared it they might have paid a few dollars in duty. By hiding it, they had them confiscated and were fined.

I prefer to list something even if it may not be requried by the confusing rules.

darn good question!
 

I always fill in the forms in great detail. That said, I haven't bought anyting or group of things over the limit in decades. I do it out of boredom. Perhaps I can skip the details.

If I declare nothing I'll get asked questions like "You didn't purchase anything?" whereas a nominal declaration - $10 or $20 worth of goods passes unquestioned.