At the Customs

Traveller: Excuse me, how can I decide whether to go through the red or the green channel?

1^st Customs Official: If you have goods to declare you go through the red channel. If you haven't any goods to declare, you go through the green one.

T.: How do I know whether I have goods to declare?

1^st O: Well, madam, this notice here tells you.

T.: Oh, I can't understand it very well.

1^st O: If you're a visitor coming here for less than six months, and you haven't any alcohol, wine or tobacco in excess of the duty free allowance, you go through the green channel.

T.: Oh, I have got some alcohol.

1^st O: How much have you got?

T.: A bottle of brandy. And I've got two hundred cigarettes.

1^st O: That's all right. You're allowed one bottle and two hundred cigarettes. Have you got any expensive presents, things for other people? You have to declare anything which cost over ten pounds.

T.: Well, yes, I have got a watch which costs more than ten pounds in English money.

1^st O: Then go through the red channel. And my colleague may wish to look inside your luggage.

T.: I see. Thank you.

(Traveller goes into the red channel and reaches the Customs official).

2^nd O: Are these two bags all you have, madam?

T.: Yes, and this holdall.

2^nd O: Have you any alcohol, wine or tobacco in excess of the duty free allowance?

T.: No, I just have this bottle of brandy and these cigarettes.

2^nd O: You're allowed a bottle of spirits and that number of cigarettes. That's all right. Have you any articles which you intend to leave in the United Kingdom?

T.: This watch. It costs fifteen pounds.

2^nd O: Have you got any evidence of the cost – an invoice or a bill which shows what you paid for it.

T.: Yes, I have the bill. Here it is.

2^nd O: Thank you. I'll have a look in your luggage. Would you please open the two bags? Thank you. And I'll let you know in a moment the duty you must pay on the watch.

T.: Thank you very much.

Check-up

Task . Complete the sentences using the correct words from box:

Summary of basic custom rules

tobacco, Hong Kong Identity Card, free trade zone, central bank, currency, goods, government agencies, basic customs law, weapons and drugs, shipped goods, VAT and customs, transportation, imports of goods, purchases, trade agreements, criminal penalties

Hong Kong is a free port and generally does not impose duties on imported or exported goods, with the exceptions of liquors, ___1___ , methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon oil. Residents leaving the territory with a valid ___2___ for 24 hours or more may import up to 1 litre of alcohol and 19 cigarettes or 15 cigars.

Indonesia No customs for mailed goods below or equal to US$50. Customs policy may be different in Batam ___3___ .

Philippines Customs prohibits the import or export of PHP10,000 (approximately USD220) of local currency instruments (e.g. Philippine peso banknotes) without the prior authority of the ___4___. However, bringing in of USD10,000 or higher (or its foreign ___5___ equivalent) may be brought in or out but it must be declared in writing. Theoretically, the import and export of controlled ___6___ needs clearance from the relevant ___7___ regulating such goods.

European Union The ___8___ is harmonised across Europe. This includes customs duties and restrictions. Customs tax from 150 €.

Germany From 22 € is VAT payable. National restrictions especially in ___9___.

Romania Customs may be very strict, especially for ___10___ (from anywhere outside the EU). Up to 10€ goods/package there are no taxes (it is free). Taxes may be stiff. There may be an outgoing custom tax too.^]

Slovakia Up to 22€ there are no taxes (it is free). From 22€ up to 150€, it is necessary to pay VAT (DPH in Slovak) which is 21%. From 150€ it is necessary to pay ___11___ . Customs may be from 0 to 10%, the amount depending on the type of imported goods.

Georgia No customs for mailed goods below or equal to 300GEL (App US$160) including ___12___ .

USA The United States imposes tariffs or customs duties on ___13___. that are among the lowest in the world: 3% on average. The duty is levied at the time of import and is paid by the importer of record. Individuals arriving in the United States may be exempt from duty on a limited amount of ___14___, and on goods temporarily imported (such as laptop computers) under the ATA Carnet system. Customs duties vary by country of origin and product, with duties ranging from zero to 81% of the value of the goods. Goods from many countries are exempt from duty under various ___15___. Certain types of goods are exempt from duty regardless of source. Customs rules differ from other import restrictions. Failure to properly comply with customs rules can result in seizure of goods and civil and ___16___ against involved parties. United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) enforces customs rules. All goods entering the United States are subject to inspection by CBP prior to legal entry.