Hmm ... as an U.S. Customs inspector, I should probably just walk away from this thread, but:

  • it depends on the inspector's training (some are better than others; I'll admit to that) (And yes, some of them are complete idjits. As a trainer, I've tried to pound the proper methods into these rockheads, but )
  • it depends on how the inspector classifies the item in question (different tariffs=different duty rates)
  • the worst of the duties are usually set by the private carriers, who are their own customs brokers. Do a search here on FedEx, for example. We don't just recommend the governmental postal services just for lower delivery rates.

Quote Originally Posted by Carolina Kiltman View Post
I have had processed food confiscated, on the basis of not bringing any agricultural items into the country. . . go figure. That is why I generally buy from local (US in my case) suppliers. Let them worry about the hassle of imported stuff.
This is my actual area of expertise, so if I may:
Depending on what your processed food was, how it was processed, and its country of origin, the processing may not have been enough to eliminate the plant pest or animal disease risk. So the Agriculture officer was (hopefully) correct in taking it from you (see my first point above).

- Gary
keeping America safe from mad cows


PS - for the Canadians: just kidding about the mad cows. Your bovines are considered safe now.
We're keeping an eye on your sheep and goats, though.