"Between now and Labor Day, we expect about 20 million people to arrive in the United States to be cleared by Customs," says Acting Commissioner Charles Winwood. "Our Know Before You Go effort will help travelers with the information they need to make their return through Customs smooth and efficient."

Because passenger service representatives (PSRs) field many questions from travelers, Customs selected the following PSRs to serve as spokespeople for the campaign: Lisa Clark (Dulles, Va.), Michael Freitas (San Francisco, Calif.), Lillie Sears (Newark, N.J.), and Liliana Quintero (Washington, D.C.). Clark and Quintero were on hand at the press event to answer media questions in English and Spanish, and to respond to questions from people calling from a radio station in Miami.

According to Freitas, there are three things that travelers need to do in order to make their clearance through Customs more pleasant and quick: "First, read and understand the "Know Before You Go" brochure; second, keep a list of everything you acquired abroad and save the sales receipts; and, third, declare everything you acquired and are carrying with you."

One-stop shopping
The Customs Web site is the main portal for the Know Before You Go campaign. Customs redesigned part of its Web site to provide more detailed traveler information.

The new Know Before You Go section includes links to the Know Before You Go brochure; tips to facilitate clearance through Customs; advice from a Customs inspector on international travel; listings of Customs regulations and procedures; answers to questions concerning U.S. residents who travel abroad; information on different Customs programs designed to handle traveler complaints; and an online form that travelers may use to send feedback on their Customs experience. It also provides links to other travel-related Web sites sponsored by federal agencies. For example, travelers can go to the Department of Agriculture's Web site to learn about foot-and-mouth disease, or they can go to the State Department's sites for passport and visa information.

Ten tips for a speedy passage through U.S. Customs Don't rely on friends and shopkeepers for advice on what items "will clear Customs"; instead, obtain this information directly from the U.S. Customs Service. Declare "duty-free goods," even if purchased in "duty-free" stores. Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats, and dairy products into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted. Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use. Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (such as ivory, tortoise shell products, absinthe, and counterfeit items) and restricted merchandise. Be aware that many foreign manufactured medications are not FDA-approved and, consequently, cannot be brought into the U.S. Also, when traveling abroad, bring only the amount of medication you'll need during the trip. Do not attempt to return with Cuban cigars, unless they were purchased in Cuba while on authorized travel. Know the rules governing the $400 exemption on goods brought back from abroad. By law, Customs officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search. Be sure and read U.S. Customs Know Before You Go brochure. You may request a print copy of the brochure by writing to USCS, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044, or order through the Customs Web site at www.customs.gov.

Acting Commissioner of Customs Charles Winwood (with PSRs Lisa Clark and Liliana Quintero) answers questions at the Know Before You Go press conference held on June 20 at Dulles International Airport.