Do you declare at customs...

I've heard a lot of people making suggestions about food & the like to bring over...do you have to declare these items?  Or what about shampoo & the like that you just recently purchased?  I know that the regs say something about needing to declare items that you have purchased in the last 6 mo...I can see with getting away with clothing items but what about stuff that seems like you must have just purchased them in order to bring them over?  

Ive never decalred anything coming and going from Heathrow & JFK. I bought candy home from the UK at Cmas and also gifts for my family. Going back to the UK, I bought 3 Gap sweatshirts I bought for my boyfriend's cousin who re-imbursed me for them (they were cheaper here.) I also bought back apx. $100 worth of brand new toiletries I bought at Target; again because they were cheaper here.

There's a limit you're allowed to bring in without having to declare. Usually grocery items and things like that don't add up to the amount. But, you're expected not to bring in certain items, declared or not.

I've been through the 'declared' bit and was relieved they weren't pedantic. In fact, they more or less just waved us through...perhaps because we volunteered.

I stay under the customs limit ($400?), so I don't declare.  When I carry food, it is always packaged and in my checked baggage.  You don't have to declare personal items unless you go over the $ limit.

   Thanks all!  It was something I hadn't thought about.  I'm facing each of my 'scary thoughts' at a time & each time I come away from this board feeling so much better about my move.  I'm SOOOO looking forward to it.

Good to hear.  I personally never buy expensive art work or anything and if I do spend over $400 say on clothing I always wear it first.  Shoes you just scruff the bottoms or wear then out and they are fine.  Also some things are gifts. It's like I did not declare my engagement ring for example.

I used to bring in things like cured ham and things that maybe I should not have, but in todays world I just do not tempt fate.  Plus they have these new agriculture scanners and the beagles so I just don't bother.  You can get most things online anyways nowadays.

I have several painting my mother did throughout her life, that I would like to have in the UK with me, but have heard that they make you pay a huge fee for bringing any kind of art into the country. Anyone have any expirence with this?

I've come across this site, and wonder if it's a help, or if it refers to business importing only:
British Antique Dealers Association
It does confuse me because I was under the impression that you can bring antiques in tax-free (assuming your mother's work is 25 years or older). So perhaps only for personal use? Also, what if the paintings were valued (and no offense to your mother's talent) but what if they were valued at a low price?

That question doesn't seem to be answered at the HM Customs and Excise link I give below, but I include it because it's a good general link. Also, there's a confidential hotline that you might want to use (also tacked on at end). If you don't want to try that, then perhaps someone at BADA (link above) can answer:
     The British Antique Dealers' Association       
     20 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1BD
     Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 4128
     E-mail: info@bada.or

This is an excellent accounting of Customs rules and regulations and should answer general questions:
A Customs guide for travellers entering the UK
onetiger, take note...it's listing a lot of the things you were asking about.

There is a confidential Customs 24-hour hotline: 0800 59 5000.

I brought in paintings when I shipped my things over.  I remember doing an inventory of everything for the forms and having to list the age of each item.  As long as the items weren't new (ie, I think it was under 12 months), Customs won't bother you because the items are thought of 'household goods'.

They are all over 35 years old. Will read the links you posted Lisa, to be sure.  They have never been valued, and would probably only have value to me. She was quite good tho, nothing against her talent,, but I would think, only well known artists would have a high value on their work? Dunno,,lol. That said,, they are all a bit big to transport, so there is another problem there.

Thanks Caitlin, will keep that in mind as I try to decide what I can take back home with me this time. I have some waterford crystal wine glasses I got 20 years ago, so have been pondering bringing those back home  with me.

I brought three paintings back with me once. Rather large, almost the width of stretched-out arms. I went to Mailboxes Etc. and had them pack them. The box may have been something like 3'x4'x1'. One picture had glass covering it. They bubblewrapped them, then put them in a big box. Also taped them up so that excess tape made a handle, and put 'fragile' stickers all over. I almost wept when I had to check them through with the other baggage. But...they made it just fine and the glass did not break.

I think that link for BADA I gave doesn't really apply to you. These paintings weren't bought and they are for your own personal use. I can't see why you'd have to pay any VAT on them.

I took my large box through "Nothing to Declare" and no one stopped me.

I didn't know Mailboxes Etc would do that,, that's excellent to know!  I may try one of the paintings while I am here then.  Will have hubby measure the boot too to make sure it will fit in there :lol. Thanks Lisa

Just a note..Mailboxes Etc. are now the UPS Store just in case you come back and wonder where they went.  They still do the packing though!

ahh,, ok, will have to get out the yellow pages :lol,, I think there used to be a Mailboxex etc not far from where my girls live, will do a drive by, and see if it's still there, changed names, etc.  Thanks VNP

will do a drive by

Hey no need for violence just because of a name change.