I am writing this because I am getting pretty tired of overseas buyers and sellers either asking me to make a false customs declaration for things I sell (falsifying the purchase price, description, whatever, and calling it a gift), or things I buy (I have received items that list the item as a gift).

This is illegal in every country in the world. If a customs officer actually decides to examine the package and discovers the false declaration, your item will be seized, and someone will have to pay a hefty fine to get it back.

I work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and am currently assigned to HQ in Washington, DC. So I know of what I speak.

Also, whenever I receive something with a false declaration, I report it to my counterparts in the country of origin. And if someone asks me to falsify a declaration, I notify my counterparts in their country. And I am not alone (which is why I am typing this 'fair warning'). CBP receives information regarding these false declarations often.

So be advised. Falsifying a customs declaration is a crime that could cause you serious problems, and likely empty your bank account quite a bit more than you intended.