What happens to the Customs Forms?
Oct 26, 2006 | 1:32 am
#1
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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.
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.
Oct 26, 2006 | 10:27 am
#2
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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.
Oct 26, 2006 | 11:19 am
#3
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Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
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.
Oct 26, 2006 | 11:24 am
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Originally Posted by travelinmanS
Do they put all this info into a database or are they required by some privacy law to discard the information.
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.
Oct 27, 2006 | 8:10 am
#7
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Originally Posted by DebbieS
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....
Oct 27, 2006 | 10:02 am
#8
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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.
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.
Oct 27, 2006 | 10:29 am
#9
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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!
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice: [legalese omitted to a point]The information collected on this form is needed to carry out the Customs, Agriculture, and currency laws of the United states. CBP Requires the information on this form to insure that travellers are complying with these laws and to allow us to figure and collect the right amount of duty and tax. Your response is mandatory. [extra legalese omiited]
Sanosuke!
Oct 27, 2006 | 12:25 pm
#10
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Originally Posted by milepig
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.
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.
Oct 27, 2006 | 4:49 pm
#11
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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
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
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.
Oct 29, 2006 | 8:48 am
#13
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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.
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.
Oct 29, 2006 | 9:16 am
#14
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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.
Oct 29, 2006 | 10:13 am
#15
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Originally Posted by tev9999
I was once told by an immigration officer (land border) that declaring nothing can be suspicious.