Nothing To Declare - Why on earth am I still watching it?

We don't have that particular show, but we have one called Border Security. It comes on right after the evening news, so sometimes I get drawn to it without actually choosing to watch it!

It covers everything from smuggling by boat, transport trucks crossing the border, airports and land crossings from USA. I think most people recognize they shouldn't be bringing something in illegally, claim ignorance in order to avoid a fine.

When I worked at a container import/export facility, I worked closely with Border Security on their planned and random checks. I didn't get many details, but heard some interesting facts. They sometimes found stolen vehicles inside containers planned to be shipped overseas.

When my husband was alive we used to watch it a lot. It was the endless fascination of the food they were bringing in - and the peculiar things that were included in that food!

Sarnia

Allira

Himdowntheroad

It makes me laugh whenever some people bring in undeclared food, they claim it could decimate the whole of the Australian ecosystem.

Why is that amusing?

Vigilant Border Controls have managed to keep the Varroa Mite out of Australia. This parasite is decimating bees globally. Good for the Aussies, I say.

As I pointed out earlier, even inter-State the rules are strict too.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, soil, seeds unless comercially packaged, to prevent the spread of disease which could wipe out crops.
There are quarantine bins in domestic airports.

Allira

Himdowntheroad

It makes me laugh whenever some people bring in undeclared food, they claim it could decimate the whole of the Australian ecosystem.

Why is that amusing?

Vigilant Border Controls have managed to keep the Varroa Mite out of Australia. This parasite is decimating bees globally. Good for the Aussies, I say.

It is an interesting programme.
The patience and good manners of the staff are impressive especially as they are in a vulnerable position.
I am torn between feeling sorry for some and furious with others.
Some of those simply wanting to work and make a living for themselves and their families are sad .... you wonder what they are going back to. But the drug couriers can go fester in prison for life as far as I am co cerned.

I watched it briefly with my GS the other day. He thought the border officials were being horrible in taking foostuffs etc from people and that these people were not going to be allowed to enter the country.

A detailed conversation then ensued in which I explained about tourist visas v work visas, and the laws in Australia brought in to protect the unique wildlife and vegetation etc, and that the people remonstrating against their treatment were in the wrong.

I think he learned something!

ruthiek

My husband is terrified at the thought of ever going to Australia “in case” but he is addicted to nothing to declare 🤷‍♀️

In case of what?

My husband is terrified at the thought of ever going to Australia “in case” but he is addicted to nothing to declare 🤷‍♀️

Supernana1

They can't possibly do a deep search into everybody's bags, so presumably a lot of forbidden food gets through.

But what annoys me is the constant repetition of the same phrases over and over. And then the voiceover repeats it yet again. I wish they could cut some of that out.

I do admire their system of putting people on the next plane back to where they came from. No messing around, they just do it.

I've just caught a glimpse of a programme called Border Patrol - don't know which channel it's on. It looked like a New Zealand version of Nothing To Declare. I'll have a look to see if I can find it. Hopefully, it might be slightly different and less monotonous.

Supernana1

They can't possibly do a deep search into everybody's bags, so presumably a lot of forbidden food gets through.

They go through a scanner. There are also sniffer dogs who get excited if they smell food in a suitcase so then your luggage gets opened and searched. It's happened to me more than once but everything was in order, just the normal tea bags, Marmite, chocolate bars for SiL etc! Anything wooden must be declared too. During the Foot and Mouth outbreak, shoes might have got scrubbed with disinfectant.

I remember a woman getting fined quite a substantial amount for taking in some fruit she had intended to eat on the flight but forgot.

Regarding the New Zealand version of it , there is also an Irish version which remember watching a couple of times but I can’t remember what it’s called .

Another fascinating watch is Dr Pimple Popper. She is fantastic and really puts patients at ease for often quite horrific and explosive operations.

My daughter used to watch this religiously. When she went to Australia for a visit she was so worried about taking food in she dumped her boiled sweets in a bin. Also, when the flight attendant advised against taking drugs into the country, she asked if her paracetamol were okay and was assured she was fine.

I like it too. It has nothing to do with my son working at an airport doing the same thing🤷‍♀️

Just like Galaxy and Primrose I find it fascinating. I love to see what crazy things people pack, sometimes it’s even large amounts of meat!!!

They can't possibly do a deep search into everybody's bags, so presumably a lot of forbidden food gets through.

But what annoys me is the constant repetition of the same phrases over and over. And then the voiceover repeats it yet again. I wish they could cut some of that out.

I do admire their system of putting people on the next plane back to where they came from. No messing around, they just do it.

I've just caught a glimpse of a programme called Border Patrol - don't know which channel it's on. It looked like a New Zealand version of Nothing To Declare. I'll have a look to see if I can find it. Hopefully, it might be slightly different and less monotonous.

Real Housewives! Why do I watch rich over priveleged women have the best of everything in life and do not appreciate it. They argue and bitch with each other all the time. They make up and do it all over again. They need hard labour and porridge!!

Himdowntheroad

It makes me laugh whenever some people bring in undeclared food, they claim it could decimate the whole of the Australian ecosystem.

Why is that amusing?

It makes me laugh whenever some people bring in undeclared food, they claim it could decimate the whole of the Australian ecosystem.

Yes, and meet the bailiffs

I used to watch this ages ago. I can’t find it now, is it on Sky please ?

My go yo oldies fraiser gavin & Stacey
Could rewatch over And over

I watched this for a long time but I got fed up because they were just repeats most of the time. It's amazing how many people get caught out and then up in arms because the food is taken off them. Makes me wonder how much actually gets through.
Then there's all the people trying to get in falsely. Pity our own country isn't as strict.

I have a love hate thing about Storage Wars! Hate the OTT people on it but love looking inside the containers that have been abandoned and the fact they turn it all into profit (sometimes)

Yes, you’re right 🥴

I must confess to watching Nothing to Declare.
I have to admire a country where someone trying to enter Australia without the proper documentation is sent home on the next available flight. Not put up in a comfy hotel and given cash and perks like we do here.
I remember one programme where a lady arriving from China had a huge amount of food with her that she had not declared. The Border Control lady was trawling her way through bagful's of food when she found a plastic tub containing something slimy. It turned out to be pureed frog!