Why It Is Not a Good Idea to Lie on Your Customs Form

Each international package requires a customs form that describes the package’s contents and their value for import purposes. Sometimes, senders are tempted to lie on the customs form to help recipients avoid customs duties, but this is not a good idea. Why shouldn’t you lie on your customs form when shipping something overseas?

A customs form (declaration) is an official document that provides customs authorities in the origin and destination countries with detailed information about the shipment’s contents, value, and purpose. The form ensures that packages do not contain prohibited or restricted items, helps customs assess whether import duties or taxes apply, facilitates proper customs clearance, and contributes to maintaining international trade records.

Some senders lie on customs declarations for various reasons. For example, sellers may reduce the declared value or mark the contents as gifts rather than goods to appease customers by helping them evade import fees, duties, and taxes, which can be significant in some countries. Other senders may declare different items on the form because they are trying to ship restricted or prohibited goods.

However, it is important to understand that lying on customs declarations is illegal and carries risks for both the sender and recipient, including fines, seizure of goods, and legal consequences. Although customs authorities do not inspect every imported package due to the high volume, any package may be subject to a random inspection.

Additionally, customs authorities will inspect a package if they spot any inconsistencies in the declaration, such as a suspiciously low declared value for the listed items or a package that is too large for the stated quantity and type of items. Depending on the situation, customs fraud can lead to different consequences.

For example, if the sender undervalues the items in the package, customs officers will calculate the duty based on the estimated value, which may turn out higher than the item’s actual value. Import duties and taxes are usually paid by the recipient, unless the package is marked as Delivery Duty Paid (DDP). If the recipient refuses to pay the duties, the package may be confiscated, returned to the sender, or destroyed. Additionally, the recipient may be fined for tax evasion.

Another downside to undervaluing your shipment is that, in case of loss or damage, you will not be reimbursed for its full value since insurance will cover only the declared value of the package.

If you falsify the customs declaration to ship prohibited or restricted items, your package will be seized. Depending on the items, you may face criminal charges for smuggling or fraud. Additionally, customs authorities may blacklist future shipments involving the sender or recipient, or subject all future shipments to heightened scrutiny.

In short, lying on the customs form is fraud, plain and simple. The consequences for doing so can vary by country and situation, but generally include seizure of the package, fines, late delivery or return of the package to the sender, and even criminal charges. While individuals may occasionally escape serious consequences, businesses that lie on customs declarations often face severe repercussions, such as losing licenses and facing legal action.

Therefore, when purchasing shipping labels online, ensure that all information about your package’s contents is detailed, specific, and correct, as international shipping labels usually double as customs declarations. Ideally, you should have receipts, invoices, and other documents confirming the value of the items in your package in case the customs authorities have any doubts about the declared value.