UK Customs questions

Hi everyone!

I've been to England before, but now my new hubby (from England) and I (from USA) are returning there together from the states to live (got my shiny new spousal visa!) and we've bought loads of presents for his 2 kids and his parents.  This will be the first time we'll be clearing UK customs and bringing lots of gifts and things we've bought from the US.  Can anyone give us advice on how the process works going through UK customs?  Should we go ahead and make a big list of everything now so we don't have to sit on the airplane and try and think of everything to write it all down?  Do you even have to write down everything like you do when you're going through US customs?  Thanks!!!   

I never claim anything when i go thru customs............never been stopped either.

don't wrap anything..take stuff out of packages..

I've done it both ways... claimed and not claimed and it has always puzzled me.  I've been specific all the way down to chintzy plastic souvenirs while other times I've simply have written souvenirs/gifts with estimated guess at the value.

azroomie made a good point about not wrapping presents in case of inspection.

I think there is a difference between claiming 200 iPods  and couple of Target Barbies. People are more likely to resell more expensive items in another country and this is where tax issues come to play. This is usually the case with electronics like cameras and computers.

Just keep in mind what can and cannot be imported and import limits and you should be fine... i.e., 2 dozen bottles of fine wine might exeed your limit without being taxed and so on.

I am sure it couldn't hurt to have everything itemized just in case they ask.

i never write down specifics.  i ususally write gifts/souveniors... $200... but having an itimized list can't hurt.

as for wrapping packages... i wouldn't wrap until after you get to the UK. i've had to unwrap packages before.

Ive been travelling back and forth for five years. Whenever I go to the USA I bring an empty suitcase and load it up with American food, etc. I never once declared anything. They are more intrested in things like "200 iPods" etc. like jklm said. If its just gifts, don't declare. But DO make sure everything us unwrapped like the other posters mentioned otherwise they will unwrap it for you. When I leave out of Chicago they open my suitcases and rumage through everything! So make sure you show them you have nothing to hide. No wrapped packages! In fact, I believe I even saw a sign last time I flew home regarding unwrapping wrapped packages.
Also keep in mind no flowers, plants, meats or fruits and veg are allowed! My sister was maid of honour at my wedding and she tried to take her bouquet back to the USA and for some reason they took it from her and smashed it in to a million pieces. Very sad and unnecessary. Don't know why they just couldn't have taken it from her and thats it.
Good luck!

Thats awful about your sisters bouquet, that was completley unnessecary!! 

Thats awful about your sisters bouquet, that was completely unnecessary!! 

my family 'risks'  taking  no no stuff  through customs and it is really hit and miss and  who is working that shift.. sometimes  they take the stuff or sometimes they make you  pay money.. but my dad  has a story how he  tried to pass  cheese through.. (you can't get it anywhere but his hometown in Sicily.. or really authentic Italian delis ...true story)  usually they  just put a long  tube thing through to see if you have drugs  and they let it through..    anyway.. the officer took it from him  that time.. ..  so he saw that they took it aside..so my dad  destroyed it himself!! ..took it and threw it in the trash.. the officer got upset and  complained and asked why he did that..  well he said.. 'if I'm not eating it.. you aren't either'..      true story..and if you meet my dad....   he is  that cheeky..

H.M.C.E.   =  Her Majesty's Criminal Extortionists.     

Hi everyone!

I've been to England before, but now my new hubby (from England) and I (from USA) are returning there together from the states to live (got my shiny new spousal visa!) and we've bought loads of presents for his 2 kids and his parents.  This will be the first time we'll be clearing UK customs and bringing lots of gifts and things we've bought from the US.  Can anyone give us advice on how the process works going through UK customs?  Should we go ahead and make a big list of everything now so we don't have to sit on the airplane and try and think of everything to write it all down?  Do you even have to write down everything like you do when you're going through US customs?  Thanks!!!   

I brought my husband a pack of hot dogs before. I brought him a cheesesteak from Philly airport, and some grape soda. You'll be fine!

After the boys and I got our visas in New York, we had a wonderful Indian meal before leaving for the airport.  The naan was amazing - I had them wrap up the leftovers in foil for me.  And whilst the kids and I were eating a full English upon landing in the UK, my husband nibbled on the naan bread...

I would  not worry about declaring anything if they are all personal items.  One can get away with food stuffs into the UK not problem - it is the other way round which is the most difficult !  Sometimes there is no one at Customs i.e. the Non Declare walk through !! I suppose too early when your flight from NY arrives at 6 am in London ! 

When I came to the UK to settle, I had 9 pieces of luggage with me, including 3 large brown boxes, containing some brand-new household items and gifts.  Customs just laughed at me as I walked-by, pushing one trolley and pulling the other.  Unless you go through the "something to declare" channel, there are no forms to fill-out.  It's not like the U.S. where information about what you're carrying is incorporated onto the landing card that they hand-out on the airplane.

Just a note also... beware of sniffer dogs. When I landed in Chicago last year a really cute beagle was sniffing my bags and the handler kept asking "you got some food in yer bags?...You SURE you dont got no food in there?" Duh, quite sure you idiot!

I've only ever seen a customs officer at the desk in the green channel once on a return trip from America, and he just watched me walk straight past.   Every other time there's been nobody in sight.  (Darn it, could have packed another half dozen bottles of 100-proof Southern Comfort! ).

I've received more scrutiny from customs coming back into the U.K. from Jersey.