Daft question alert!

Uncle paul · 23 Apr 19, 08:28 AM

We’ve been reading some excellent Dibbers food blogs recently, and have decided that taking some boxes of cereal with us for a quick brekkie in the room is a great idea.
So my question is Do we have to declare these to US customs?
If so, how do we declare them?
Also, If we do declare them are we likely to be detained and searched at immigration?
Sorry if this sounds dramatic, but it’s 20 years since our last visit and we’ve never taken anything but clothes and toiletries before.
It’s getting close now, and mild panic is beginning to creep in.
Thanks in advance. 😳

Mr Tom Morrow · 23 Apr 19, 08:40 AM

Things have changed dramatically in recent times. We all used to fill in the paper form and tick yes for food stuff. That was replaced by the self service machines and we tapped in yes for foodstuffs again.

Those machines are now gone and we just rock up to the Immigration Officers desk where they ask you questions.

Answer yes about food but say what it is. For example I always tell them we have some biscuits, cereal and coffee.

After that they will tell you what to do but I am seeing less and less Customs Officers near the exit and no longer do you have to present yourself to their desks before exiting the luggage area as the desks have gone!

Secondary inspection by Customs only involves a quick chat and they may ask you to put your luggage back through a scanner. Takes 5 mins.

silverfox46 · 23 Apr 19, 08:42 AM

Don’t worry you’re fine. I just list everything I’m taking ie cereal, teabags, biscuits etc and if asked by immigration officer just tell them. They may laugh and say, we sell them here , but better to be safe. You may be directed to another bag scan, but believe me it takes seconds.

Mr Tom Morrow · 23 Apr 19, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by silverfox46

Don’t worry you’re fine. I just list everything I’m taking ie cereal, teabags, biscuits etc and if asked by immigration officer just tell them. They may laugh and say, we sell them here , but better to be safe. You may be directed to another bag scan, but believe me it takes seconds.

I was expecting 'secondary' on my last 4 trips. Not a sniff, just waved through.

OP. Best advice ever is don't take a chance on items. The penalties are very high for not declaring. Better a 5 min delay than a big fine.

Not that you intend to do that I know but some do get tempted to avoid the hassle.

Uncle paul · 23 Apr 19, 09:54 AM

Thanks everyone! That’s one less thing to worry about 👍

23 Apr 19, 08:28 AM	#1
	23 Apr 19, 08:28 AM Uncle paul Swimming at the All Star Resort
Uncle paul Swimming at the All Star Resort Join Date: Nov 17 Location: Manchester	Daft question alert! We’ve been reading some excellent Dibbers food blogs recently, and have decided that taking some boxes of cereal with us for a quick brekkie in the room is a great idea. So my question is Do we have to declare these to US customs? If so, how do we declare them? Also, If we do declare them are we likely to be detained and searched at immigration? Sorry if this sounds dramatic, but it’s 20 years since our last visit and we’ve never taken anything but clothes and toiletries before. It’s getting close now, and mild panic is beginning to creep in. Thanks in advance. 😳

23 Apr 19, 08:40 AM	#2
	23 Apr 19, 08:40 AM Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer
Mr Tom Morrow Imagineer Join Date: Jul 14 Location: The Tiki Room. theDIBB Guidebook Pages Created: 3	Things have changed dramatically in recent times. We all used to fill in the paper form and tick yes for food stuff. That was replaced by the self service machines and we tapped in yes for foodstuffs again. Those machines are now gone and we just rock up to the Immigration Officers desk where they ask you questions. Answer yes about food but say what it is. For example I always tell them we have some biscuits, cereal and coffee. After that they will tell you what to do but I am seeing less and less Customs Officers near the exit and no longer do you have to present yourself to their desks before exiting the luggage area as the desks have gone! Secondary inspection by Customs only involves a quick chat and they may ask you to put your luggage back through a scanner. Takes 5 mins. __________________ "PAGING MR MORROW, MR TOM MORROW..." ''I drink Wine and know things'' DVC Owners at SSR since 2003. Multiple annual visits to America since 1976 Edited at 09:47 AM. Reason: Spelling

23 Apr 19, 09:54 AM	#5
	23 Apr 19, 09:54 AM Uncle paul Swimming at the All Star Resort Thread Starter
Uncle paul Thread Starter Swimming at the All Star Resort Join Date: Nov 17 Location: Manchester	Thanks everyone! That’s one less thing to worry about 👍