Returning Passengers
The process for passengers which have missed their flight ‘returning passengers’.
When the passengers are processed at the security check point staff ask the passengers to return all duty free items to the shops before they can be processed through the customs channels.
If the passengers have got a few bottles or cartons of cigarettes in their rucksack how are staff meant to see this, if the passengers do not tell them.
I do think every returning passengers hand luggage should be re-screened for this to prevent any items being taken back landside but unfortunately this is not currently practical.
In terms of the ‘customs’ officers they are monitoring the CCTV in baggage to look for smuggling and if they see anything that may breach the import limits, they will act on this.
But they do not have staff at the channels 24/7 as again it is not practical. So yes passengers can take goods through.
I do think the process should be changed, but for now that’s what we have. If UKBF and MAG are really concerned they will change the process.