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US Customs Rules And Procedures

For US citizens this is usually a simple process. If you follow US Customs rules the process should be quick and easy.

Immigration

Fill out Form I-94 (or I-94W for visitors) and CBP declaration form on board the airplane. These will be passed out by flight attendants shortly before landing in the US. (European countries have similar forms and procedures).

When you land, you will be directed by airline personnel and/or signs to the customs area. You must proceed to the customs area before you can enter the rest of the airport. There are usually restrooms somewhere along the route or in the customs area.
You are not allowed to use your cellphone during the customs process.
When you enter the customs area, find the appropriate line for returning US citizens or visitors and wait your turn. The customs officer will ask a series of questions about your travel:

Where did you travel?
How long were you gone?
What was the purpose of your trip?
Who did you travel with?
What are you importing into the US? (in other words, what did you bring back that you didn't have with you when you left)

Customs

Proceed to the baggage claim area and reclaim all your luggage. (if some of your luggage is missing, talk to an officer about what you should do).

Follow the signs and/or crowds to the next checkpoint. Show your declaration form to the CBP officer. If you owe duty on the items you brought back, you will be directed to a cashier to pay the duty. (Some airport customs areas have a red/green light system that randomly selects travelers for inspection of their luggage.)

Agriculture

If you indicated on your customs declaration form that you are bringing back and agricultural products, you will be asked to show these items. The items may be confiscated and disposed of.

Proceed to the final check point and out of the customs area and enter the airport. (If you are continuing on to another destination there will be a place outside customs for you to drop your checked luggage for the next flight.

US customs officers have the authority to question you more thoroughly and/or inspect your baggage at any point in the process.