The often ignored customs compliance when travelling is something that gets a lot of travellers in trouble. Some people think the declaration form is a piece of paper that never really matter but it actually a piece of legal declaration that can weigh heavily on the traveller when it's not done right.
Let's have a quick chat about airport customs and why you should pack and declare correctly.
What happens to your bags when you check in
You will be surprise how there are still people who think that since checked bags get less security checks than carry-ons, they'll pack their more suspicious items there. Are they right? Absolutely not.
When you check in, you will see your bags go to a conveyor belt. What we don't see is that there are actually sorting machines to help them go to the right flight and there are also security scans behind those walls. This is necessary for the airports to check whether the bags contain prohibited items and the bag owner will be liable for it. You can check out the TSA page that details their security screening.
Security can open and check your bags if they find anything suspicious in the scans.
To declare or not to declare, that is the question
As a Pinoy traveller, you will often get requests for pasalubong that brings you doubt on whether or not you should bring it to the country. There were times in the past I was told not to declare the doubtful items just so it wouldn't give any suspicions from the immigration or customs officer.
Going back to the fact that bags are indeed scanned even after check in, I would say this time and time again:
Be truthful to the customs declaration form.
They're highly concerned about food and raw products being brought in to the country so that is what is commonly asked from the traveller. The destination country's airport or immigration website often have information on what is not allowed in the country so it is best to check before you travel.
As for any food or other products the form and the officer will ask you about, be truthful and declare what you are bringing to the country. If it's not illegal but is still not acceptable, they will just confiscate it and let you through with very less hassle. If it's illegal/dangerous, obviously you might face charges and will not be allowed to enter.
If you make any untruthful declaration or you failed to declare items that the form and the officer ask of you, you will face hefty fines or worse may not be allowed to enter the country.
In conclusion...
Again, do some research about your destination country and rely on the official government and airport pages. Pack wisely and don't just think that you'll get away with undeclared items. Some people do, but it's really not worth it when you're in hot waters just because you choose to overlook some things.
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