Tea through US customs
 

Hi,

not sure which forum this should go in so feel free to move it Mods.:)

We are off to the US for our hols next week (VWP). Wanted to take some tea as a present, will be sealed (Tetley actually:D). I imagine this wouldn't be an issue, however we land in NJ and have 2.5hrs to clear customs and get on a flight to Vegas, so I'm keen not to have anything hold us up any longer than it needs to. (I'm assuming we'll have to claim our luggage in NJ?, we are connecting to a flight with the same airline).

Actually thinking about it, i guess the best thing would be to put it in my carry on bag so I can bin it if necessary?

thx:thumbup:

Re: Tea through US customs
 

You can buy Tetley here in the grocery stores. I buy it all the time.... Maybe check to see if its stocked at your friend's local grocery store, save the hassle of bringing it. :)

Re: Tea through US customs
 

I frequently (as do my relatives) bring PG Tips tea bags back from the UK. Always declare them on the customs form and have never had an issue.

Probably only a problem if you land in Boston!

Re: Tea through US customs
 

As AmerLisa said you can buy Tetley's tea in most US supermarkets. I used to buy Tetley's British Blend but as I prefer PGTips I bring it back from the UK. I usually fill half a suitcase with PGTips and check it...there is no need to put it in your hand luggage. :o:lol:

I always declare it on the customs declaration form...when the Customs Officer at Newark sees I'm bringing tea into the US my cases are always sent for further screening. This only take a couple of minutes while the cases are put through an x-ray machine.

Edit: Yes you will have to collect your luggage at Newark and go through Immigration...then Customs.

Re: Tea through US customs
 

Thanks all. the reason to bring the tea is that CO-OP have limted edition 'Tetley Tea Folk' tin out at the moment (according to my Mother anyway. Mrs TB and I shop at Waitrose and have practically been disowned by my parents:lol:).

I thought it might be a nice present for my wife's cousin in NJ who is taking us to Niagara Falls and Toronto. The NJ part of our trip is at the end but due to flights we have to land in NJ first on the way to Vegas.

Looking forward to it:thumbup:

Re: Tea through US customs
 

I bring tea back with me every time I visit UK with no problem at all. I want a Tetley tea folk tin too. :thumbsup:

Re: Tea through US customs
 

Immigration first then collect bags from carousel then go through customs then dump bags on transfer belt, assuming you've been checked through all the way.

Re: Tea through US customs
 

I flew to JFK last month with two packets of tea.

When I went through Customs I was stopped for a bag check. He ripped open one of the packets, took out a tea bag, sliced it with a knife, poked and sniffed at the contents and asked me what sort or tea it was.

First time that's happened to me and I bring tea in 2-3 times a year.

Re: Tea through US customs
 

Maybe he thought you looked like a drug lord.

All I normally get out of customs is rolled eyes and mutterings about the brits and their tea. Only one ever really showed an interest and he had 4 legs and a waggly tail.

Re: Tea through US customs
 

Yeah, it must have been the bubblegum pink handbag :rofl:

At least he didn't put the kettle on and make me drink any...I can't stand the stuff!

Re: Tea through US customs
 

Hubby and I brought back a shed load of tea last time we came back here...some of it in it's original boxes, and some in sandwich bags with the label ripped off the box and placed in the bag. We got through Dulles airport no problem...and I'm still working my way through the tea 6 months later! :thumbup:

Re: Tea through US customs
 

I usually empty mine out into plastic bags...that way they doesn't take up as much room Only takes up half a suitcase instead of a full case. :D

Re: Tea through US customs
 

I buy all my PG Tips on Amazon - leaves my suitcase space available for more special things.

http://www.britishsweets.com.au/products/G00023.jpg

Re: Tea through US customs
 

could just load up a tub of ramen noodles with cayenne pepper and chillie flakes :p

Re: Tea through US customs
 

That wouldn't be the same and you know it. :frown: