Looking at Customs?

zsha

So while I was working today I was working near customs and watched while they pulled out different types of packages coming through to ireland.....I didn't get to go over to them to ask different questions but I'm just wondering now, they pulled out big, small, round, tall, really whatever took their fancy. What are they actually looking for?? Like I know if its over a certain value, you pay VAT or customs etc, but some of the items were really small, and light so weren't actually that expensive????
Just curious, like for instance say it was a bracelet, or a watch that was coming from hong kong or china and is no brand and value of 12e what are they actually looking for??? I found it v interesting watching them today, just been thinking about it since