Military and civilian personnel of the U.S. Government

should obtain the leaflet Customs Highlights for Government

Personnel for information about their customs exemptions when

returning from an extended duty assignment abroad.

WARNING!

If you understate the value of an article declare, or if

you otherwise misrepresent an article in your declaration, you

may have to pay a penalty in addition to payment of duty. Under

certain circumstances, the article could be seized and

forfeited if the penalty is not paid.

It is well known that some merchants abroad offer

travelers invoices or bills of sale showing false or

understated values. This practice not only delays your customs

examination, but can prove very costly.

If you fall to declare an article acquired abroad, not

only is the article subject to seizure and forfeiture, but you

will be liable for a personal penalty in an amount equal to the

value of the article the United States. In addition, you may

also be liable to criminal prosecution.

Don't rely on advice given by persons outside the Customs

Service. It may be bad advice which could lead you to violate

the customs laws and incur costly penalties.

If in doubt about whether an article should be declared,

always declare it first and then direct your question to the

Customs inspector. If in doubt about the value of an article,

declare the article at the actual price paid (transaction

value).

Customs inspectors handle tourist items day after day and