At the airport, as customs, what do they mean when they ask you if you have anything to declare?

Answer 1

Every country has items listed as permitted within a limit like alcohol, cigerettes, tobacco, currency (limit varies from country to country) plus a certain value of items which can be brought in without paying duty. Some items may be contraband or illegal(which will not be permitted into the country at all) or dutiable or may require special permit, or may needs to be quarantined etc. Also if the total value of the goods brought by the passenger exceeds duty free limit the remaining items may require customs clearance after paying the duty. If you do not have any items above the duty free limit or anything which needs special clearance you can say you do not have anything to declare and proceed to the exit through the green channel. If u have dutiable items then u will have to decalre to the customs and clear it as per the law or payment of duty. Not declaring dutiable items is an offence and you will be punished if found out. Even sums of money over a certain amount have to be declared in some countries. Most of the customs officers are friendly and will clear the goods without hassle. In Australia food items are not permitted into the country but after declaring it once the officer is convinced it has been sealed and packed and none of the ingredients pose a threat will permit it. If not they will trash it. but if u try to smuggle it in without declaring then u r in trouble...

Answer 2

Each country has items which they deem contraband or illegal or dutiable or needs to be quarantined etc. These items are not legally allowed into the country without the necessary paperwork or permit where applicable. Even sums of money over a certain amount have to be declared in some countries. When you declare these items, you inform the customs agent about things that you have in your possession. If you dont declare and are subject to a search and found with any of these type of items, you may be fined or imprisoned or both, plus lose the item dependent upon what it is. To me it is not worth it. I declare items I am not sure about..less heartache.

Answer 3

Any money (over $10K) or valuable items purchased while traveling...basically so they can TAX you on it...haha. And make you wait in the longest line (especially if you declare that you brought any food - which they say that you're required to declare).

Answer 4

You need to report or declare any items you bought out side of the county.

Answer 5

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF CUSTOMS DETAIN PEOPLE WHOM BRING GOLD INTO MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AND THEN HOLDS THEM OVER 15 HOURS TRYING TO TAX THEM ?????