Declaring Goods At Airports: A Step-By-Step Guide

Declaring goods at the airport is an essential step when travelling internationally. The process of customs declaration involves providing details about any items you are carrying, such as their value, weight, and purpose, to the relevant authorities. This process is necessary to ensure compliance with import and export regulations and to calculate any applicable taxes or duties. The specific requirements for declaring goods can vary depending on the country and the nature of the items being transported. For example, some countries have different allowances for goods brought in from within or outside the EU, with different rules for personal and commercial goods. Understanding these regulations is crucial to avoid any legal issues or unexpected costs when travelling.

How to declare cash at the airport

When travelling, you may bring as much money as you wish into or out of a country. However, if you are entering or exiting the US and are carrying more than $10,000, you must report it to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. This rule also applies to the UK, where travellers must complete a cash declaration form if they are carrying £10,000 or more.

To declare cash at a US airport, you can either fill out the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105) online or fill out and print Form FinCen 105 before travelling and present it to a CBP officer. Alternatively, you can ask a CBP officer for a paper copy and fill it out at customs. If you are an international traveller entering the US, you must also declare the currency or monetary instruments you have on CBP Form 6059B, in addition to declaring it on Form FinCen 105.

In the UK, if you arrive with goods that you have not declared in advance, you must go to the 'Goods to Declare' channel or use a red point phone in the customs area. Here, you can declare your cash and pay any duties and taxes due to a Border Force officer. You can also call the HMRC helpline for assistance with your declaration.

It is important to note that the penalties for not declaring cash over the limit at the airport can be severe and may include confiscation of all currency or monetary instruments, a fine of up to $500,000, or even imprisonment.

What to do if you have goods to declare

If you have goods to declare at the airport, you must go through the red 'Goods to Declare' channel. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Before You Arrive at the Airport

• Check the government's website for the latest information on what you can bring into the country and what needs to be declared. Different countries have different rules, so make sure you're looking at the right guidelines.
• If you're bringing commercial goods, you may need to apply for an EORI number at least 48 hours before travelling.
• Calculate the weight and value of your goods. Some countries have different rules for goods below and above certain value and weight thresholds.
• Check if your goods are restricted or controlled. Some items, such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel, may have special regulations.
• Obtain any necessary licences or documents for importing your goods.

At the Airport

• Look for the 'Goods to Declare' channel or the red point phone in the customs area.
• Declare your goods to a Border Force officer and provide any necessary documentation. Be prepared to pay any duties or taxes due.
• If you're carrying a large amount of cash (usually over £10,000 or equivalent), you may need to complete a cash declaration form.

After Clearing Customs

• If you have paid duties or taxes, keep your receipts or invoices.
• Dispose of any unused foreign currency as there may be limits on how much you can keep.

What to do if you don't have goods to declare

If you don't have any goods to declare, you should choose the green customs channel at the airport. This is the regular exit, and is for travellers who don't need to declare anything.

If you are collecting your baggage and checking in for your next flight, you will need to pass through customs and proceed to the check-in desk.

It's important to remember that even if you don't have anything to declare, customs officers may still choose to search your luggage. They may do this if your luggage is particularly large, or if you are arriving from a 'hot' destination.

If you are carrying a large sum of money (over £10,000), you will need to complete a cash declaration form.

How to declare commercial goods at the airport

When travelling with commercial goods, it is important to understand the regulations and requirements for declaring them at the airport. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to declare commercial goods when arriving at or departing from an airport:

Before You Travel

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between personal goods and commercial goods. Personal goods refer to items that you will use during your trip and plan to bring back with you, such as your laptop, phone, or other electronic devices. Commercial goods, on the other hand, are goods that you plan to sell or use for your business. These could include merchandise, samples, or any goods that are not considered personal effects. If you are a resident of the country you are travelling to, you may need to declare the value of goods purchased outside the country.

Know the Rules and Regulations

The rules for declaring commercial goods can vary depending on the country you are entering or exiting. It is important to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of your destination. In some countries, such as the United States, non-residents are not allowed to sell goods, and any goods for commercial use must be declared. Additionally, if the total value of your goods exceeds a certain amount, a formal entry may be required.

Obtain Necessary Documentation

Before travelling with commercial goods, ensure you have the necessary documentation. For example, in Great Britain, you may need to obtain an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number at least 48 hours before travelling. This number is used for customs purposes and facilitates the declaration of goods.

Declare Your Commercial Goods

When you arrive at the airport, look for the designated area or lane for declaring goods. This is usually marked as the “Goods to Declare” or "Something to Declare" lane. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the goods you are carrying, including the total value and weight of the goods, the country of origin, and your payment details. If you are using a customs agent, you will also need their name and address.

Make Payments

Depending on the country and the value of your goods, you may be required to make payments for duties and taxes. For example, in Great Britain, goods made outside the EU and declared are charged a flat rate of Customs Duty, and VAT is charged on the combined amount of duty and the value of the goods. You can usually make these payments at the designated customs area at the airport.

Keep Proper Records

After you have declared your goods and made any necessary payments, be sure to keep proper records and documentation. This includes keeping your declaration forms, receipts, and invoices. These documents may be required if you need to prove the origin or value of your goods.

By following these steps and understanding the specific requirements of your destination, you can ensure that you properly declare your commercial goods when travelling through airports.

How to declare goods from the EU at the airport

When travelling from the EU to the UK, there are certain goods that must be declared at the airport. This process involves submitting a customs declaration, which can be done online or at the airport. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to declare goods from the EU at the airport:

Identify Goods that Need to be Declared:

• Goods not intended for personal use must be declared.
• Goods that exceed duty-free allowances: this includes tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, medicinal products, and other duty-free items.
• Restricted or prohibited goods, such as certain food items like meat, honey, or dairy products, which are prohibited from being brought into the UK from outside the EU.

Choose the Appropriate Customs Channel:

At the airport, customs areas usually have different channels, such as the green "Nothing to Declare" channel and the red "Goods to Declare" channel. If you have goods that require a declaration, use the red channel to submit your customs declaration.

Complete a Customs Declaration:

You can complete a customs declaration online before your arrival in the UK, or you can do it orally at the airport. The online process involves using the merchandise in baggage online declaration service to check and pay any Customs Duty and VAT due. To make a declaration, you will need the following:

• Name of the person carrying the goods.
• Customs agent's name and address (if applicable).
• Total value and weight of the goods.
• Country of origin of the goods.
• Card payment details.
• Vehicle registration number, if travelling by vehicle.

Provide Necessary Documentation:

When declaring goods, you may need to provide certain documents, such as invoices or receipts, to prove the origin and nature of the goods. This is especially important for goods with special rates or exemptions, such as those grown or made in the EU.

Pay Any Duties and Taxes:

If your goods incur duties and taxes, you can pay these online before arriving in the UK or at the airport to a Border Force officer.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you properly declare goods from the EU at the airport when entering the UK.

Frequently asked questions