With the holiday season approaching residents are being reminded to declare items they plan to take overseas with them if they also intend to bring them back to the Island.

Failing to do so will leave them liable to pay extra tax duty when they come back and the possibility of having goods seized, which would could result in Christmas gifts being impounded until after the festive season.

Fines of up to $12,000 are possible for residents who do not declare purchases that they bring on to the Island.

HM Customs are urging all Islanders who plan to travel abroad to ensure they have registered items such as cameras, laptop computers, cell phones, golf clubs and similar items at a Customs Office before they depart.

Clothes are not readily identifiable, but Collector of Customs Winfred Fostine Desilva said that if, as an example, someone has bought 15 new outfits on the Island to take with them on an overseas trip it would be advisable for them to carry the receipt.

That can then be used as proof that duty has been paid for the clothes when they come back through Customs in Bermuda.

?I believe people are aware of the rules. We put out notices and we also have our own website where people can go to get information. But we do still have people making false declarations,? Mrs. Fostine Desilva said.

Because of a backlog of investigations any items that are confiscated in the next few weeks, even if they are Christmas gifts, will not be released until after January 3.

In a statement HM Customs warns that items being taken overseas should be registered at any Customs Office during regularly scheduled operating hours, and adds: ?Proof of local purchase or duty paid status is required and the item must be readily identifiable with serial numbers and or any other unique markings.

?HM Customs would also like to remind the travelling public that they are required to declare all items ? new purchases, used items and gifts ? acquired by them abroad, and which they are bringing into Bermuda for the first time.?