Written customs declarations to be abolished

Airline passengers from abroad who have nothing to declare will soon have no need to submit written reports to that effect. This system will be implemented at Inchon International Airport on May 1, just over a month after the airport is slated to open.

Customs officials at Kimpo International Airport said Sunday that for the convenience of tourists, it would implement the same type of system on Jan. 29 and maintain it until Inchon airport goes into operation on March 29.

Those who are bringing in goods worth more than $400, two or more bottles of liquor, 200 cigarettes or more, or two ounces or more of perfume will still have to file written reports. Others will only have to make verbal declarations.

A Kimpo Customs Service official said, ``Those who do not make written reports when required to do so will face penalties up to 30 percent of the value of their goods and may be punished for violating the Customs Law. All tourists are therefore required to make voluntary and frank reports.¡¯¡¯