When you arrive at many international airports (and borders crossings), after dealing with immigration matter, you will have to pass the customs procedure. Customs line separated into Red and Green channels.
The Green Channel specifically designed for passengers who have nothing to declare, means carrying goods within the customs limits only and not carrying prohibited items. This only subjects to spot checks and save time. Passengers walking through the Green Channel are not exempted from Customs examination. Customs officers may select passengers from the Green Channel for examination based on risk management. If a passenger going through the Green Channel is found to have goods above the customs limits on them or carrying prohibited items, they may be prosecuted for making a false declaration to customs, by virtue of having gone through the Green Channel.
Those who have goods to declare should immediately leave for the Red Channel. Especially if they are:
- Having having dutiable commodities but are not entitled to duty-free concession
- Having dutiable commodities exceeding their duty-free concessions upon their arrival
- Having any prohibited/ controlled items upon their arrival
Most countries are familiar with this red & green channels customs procedure, except United States and Canada. European Union has a separate Blue Channel System. The countries falling under EU have a common Customs and passengers traveling between nations of EU do not have to pay customs duties. VAT and Excise duties may be applicable if the goods are subsequently sold, but these are collected when the goods are sold, not at the border. Passengers arriving from other EU countries should go through the Blue Channel, where they may still be subject to checks for prohibited or restricted goods. Luggage tickets for checked in luggage within the EU are green-edged so they may be identified.
