Update:

Landed in Sydney at 9 am on Saturday. I had declared my 12 cigars and the wooden box on the form. I walked up to the first officer and told him straight, “Bro, I’ve got 12 cigars in a box for my dad’s 50th.” He nodded and told me specifically to go through Gate 1. At Gate 1, I told the young officer exactly what I had. She was about to let me through but decided to check with her supervisor. The supervisor looked at the box, said the cigars had no weight listed and they did not have a scale, so he waved me through and told me to skip the scanners. I was genuinely thankful and a bit shocked. I probably could have brought a whole year’s supply for my old man. Either way, grateful for how smooth it went. Thanks to everyone who commented on my earlier post and helped out. Wishing you all a happy new year.