Passengers' Obligations at Customs
What the exam tests
This domain tests what a traveller must declare, how the green and red channels work, the duty-free allowance, currency rules and the treatment of prohibited or restricted baggage items.
Arrival and channel choice
Passengers must declare goods and currency as required. The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare; the red channel is for goods above the allowance, commercial goods, restricted items or currency above the threshold. Channel choice is a declaration, not a way to avoid examination. Baggage may be screened or physically examined, and a false channel choice can attract penalties.
Allowances and currency
Personal effects and a limited duty-free allowance are normally admitted. Goods above the allowance are assessed, and the traveller pays duty and taxes before release. Currency in cash or bearer instruments above the prescribed threshold, commonly USD 10,000 or equivalent, must be declared. Medicines should be supported by a prescription, and food, plants and animal products may need health or agricultural clearance.
Prohibited and restricted items
Narcotics, obscene material, counterfeit goods and hazardous waste are prohibited. Firearms, certain medicines, wildlife products and some food items are restricted and need authorization. A traveller carrying goods for another person is still responsible for what is in the baggage.
Worked example
A traveller arrives with a new laptop, two cartons of cigarettes and USD 12,000 in cash. The laptop and cigarettes may exceed the duty-free allowance, so the traveller should use the red channel and declare them. The cash exceeds the currency threshold and must also be declared. Customs assesses the excess goods and checks the source and declaration of the currency. Choosing the green channel would risk seizure, penalty and investigation even if the goods were otherwise admissible.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming the green channel avoids screening; failing to declare currency; under-declaring gifts; carrying restricted goods for a friend; and believing a prescription automatically authorizes any quantity of medicine.
Key points
- The green channel is itself a declaration of nothing to declare.
- Goods above the allowance are assessed and taxed.
- Currency above the threshold must be declared.
- Restricted medicines, food and wildlife items need authorization.
- Travellers remain responsible for goods carried for others.