I would add to that, declare everything at the borders. If you have a case of whiskey, keep your receipts where you got it, pay the duties accordingly, be upfront.
Most times the border guards aren't like the stories you hear in the papers. Think of how many people go through our borders everyday that don't have issues.
Two buddies of mine go down to Grand Forks to get less expensive bottles of wine. They come back with over 200 bottles (100 each) and over $700 worth.
They pay the duties, no problem.
Border let's them on through.
"is that for personal consumption?; Yep; Ok, move along..."
