Customs Declarations Without the Guesswork
Plain-English help with customs declarations for travellers and small shippers: what to declare, how to fill in forms and mistakes to avoid.
The arrivals hall is a bad place to wonder whether that bottle counts. Declare This explains customs declarations in plain words, for people coming home from a trip and for small sellers sending parcels abroad.
Two kinds of reader
Travellers
Coming home with shopping, gifts, food or cash. Learn which items need a mention and which channel to choose.
Small shippers
Posting goods to customers or family overseas. Learn how to describe, value and categorise each item.
Things that often need declaring
Food and plants
Fresh, cured or packaged. Rules are often strict.
Alcohol and tobacco
Allowances are usually tight and specific.
Cash
Large amounts often must be reported.
Goods over allowance
New purchases, gifts and items for resale.
Quick answers
- Do gifts need to be declared at customs?
- What happens if I forget to declare something?
- How do I describe goods on a customs form?
Most-read guide
Nine common customs declaration mistakes, and the simple fix for each one.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules differ by country and change, so the customs authority of the country you are entering always has the final word.