What do you declare at customs

A customs declaration is a document that shows the lists and detailed description of goods bound for import or export. The customs declaration is mostly submitted by travellers upon arrival or departure, at the border of individual country. Through customs declaration, the customs authorities control what types of goods or items are imported or being exported. Typical, the control serves two major purposes:. Travellers who do not properly declare the goods being imported or exported may be subjected to a fine or confiscation of their goods.

You may bring foreign currency back into the United States, but you must declare all monetary instruments including traveler's checks, money orders , gold coins, cash, checks, promissory notes, securities or stocks.

There is no limit to the amount of money that can be brought across the U. Customs and Border Protection ]. All this means that you should save your sales receipts no matter what language or currency in case you're asked to produce them and that you should pack the items you're declaring separately perhaps in a carry-on bag in case officials want to see them. You declare these items by filling out the U. The form, which also asks for basic information related to your trip, requires that you list each item in the above list and how much it cost.

If you're traveling with your immediate family, personal exemptions may be combined on one form [source: U. These allowances can be combined as long as you don't exceed the total alcohol allowance. You may also bring back 16 litres of beer and 4 litres of still wine. Again, these allowances can be combined as long as you don't exceed the allowance. You cannot combine alcohol and tobacco allowances. If you go over the allowance you may have to pay tax or duty.

You must make a declaration to customs if: You exceed your allowances. If this happens, you will have to pay Customs Duty. The rate is 2. The goods are for commercial use. You have 10, euros or more equivalent in cash. To declare cash, you will need to complete a cash declaration form at the UK airport. You think you might have banned or restricted goods. Businesses transporting goods International trade is even more heavily regulated for businesses.

Related Articles. Back to Top. In case of doubt, you should declare all goods. If any tax or customs exemptions apply, these will certainly be granted.