Do we need to declare gifts at Customs?

[agregory]

My husband and I will be back in Jamaica for our 3rd trip to Negril and first time to Treasure Beach soon for 12 glorious days
We will be bringing some gifts to donate (12 composition notebooks, 8 boxes of crayons, 12 pairs of reading glasses, 3 flashlights, 8 reading lights and a few packs of dry erase markers). My question is - do we need to go through the line to declare these? We did last year, but everyone else declaring something had bigger, more expensive items than what we had. And by the time we stood in line, the customs person just kind of shook his head and waved us through after opening my suitcase and not even looking at anything. This probably doesn't matter, but we also get most of the stuff we bring to donate for free from using rebates and coupons. Honestly, we probably only paid $15 for all this stuff we're donating. Do we declare the value of the items or the amount we paid? Thoughts?

Thanks so much for any advice!

[RonMon]

Technically anything you bring into the country and leave should be declared. However we take "gifts" on every trip and well...... you know if they happen to get left behind with someone then oh well.....

You may pay more fees on your gifts than you may expect to. That is the rub.

[wrtiii]

The law is quite clear: non-Jamaicans (meaning no Jamaica passport) have to declare anything that is not solely for your personal use and will stay in Jamaica when you leave. All the details are at the Jamaica customs Web site.

Do people routinely smuggle stuff in? Yes. Do they ever get caught? Occasionally. Mostly nobody searches luggage in the "nothing to declare" line. If yours gets searched and the customs person is up for it, you're going to have a hassle.

[booger]

You might get flagged if you have an unusual amount of luggage. If you fly first class most airlines throw a priority tag on, and the customs peeps recognize that. I have never been asked to open my bags, knock on wood, so you likely will have no issue. And if you do, be honest and share your intentions.

[wrtiii]

And if you do, be honest and share your intentions.

I should have mentioned this. Lying to customs officials is (if they care to pursue it) a violation in itself - making a false declaration of entry.

[Thatswhatshesaid]

Customs people are human and if they recognize your intention is a donation, they usually turn their eyes. BUT you might run across one that got up on the wrong side of the bed and wants everyone else to have a bad day too. I once heard a customs person say to another......lets search everyone with a mustache today ...no reason, just because.
Years ago I brought a whole duffel bag full of deflated soccer balls and a couple air pumps for Preachermon(if any one recognizes), he helped with a youth after school program. Since it was a pretty sizable extra bag, I went to the declare line. The customs guy looks at me and says...you selling these? No sir, its for the Negril Police Boys program.....waved me through.
Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason.

[gregandkelly63]

We always bring gifts. Never even considered having to declare them. Oops. This trip we are bringing 24 backpacks. I guess we need to declare them.

[shelley]

I posted separately but do you know of a group that would take baby clothing and shoes in Negril. All clean and good condition.

[jamaicajeanne]

St Anthony's soup kitchen also runs a thrift store and I am sure they would appreciate the baby clothing.
We always bring gifts too, however, it has always been my understanding that if you are not selling any items in Jamaica, then there is no need to declare them...see below.....up to $500 duty free on household and personal affects....

Allowances



All passengers 18 years and older are allowed the following:

* US$500 duty-free

on household and personal effects;

* 170 ml bottle of perfume

* 340 ml bottle of eau

de toilette

* 2 litres of alcoholic beverages

* 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230 grams of processed tobacco

[captaind & Linston]

Allowances

All passengers 18 years and older are allowed the following:

* US$500 duty-free

on household and personal effects;

Unless you have a household this doesn't apply. You'll need a TRN, proof of domicile etc. Been there - done that

Cap