CBP is
department of the US government reporting to the Department of
Homeland Security that manages the secure flow of legitimate goods
and travel across our borders. Customs revenue regulations i.e.
Duties, are issued under the authority of the Departments of
Treasury and Homeland Security.
CBP's originally just Customs, had the
responsibility of taxing imports. That role has expanded throughout
our history to include a range of monitoring and security programs.
CBP supports the interests of many government agencies at the point
of entry and exit of goods and people. The term "Border" in this
sense includes ports of entry - land, sea and air.
Revenue - The Primal Tax
CBP administers the collection of taxes or duties
on imported product. When the US was founded these duties were the
only form of revenue for the federal government.
Controlling Interests
CBP's primary responsibilities include security
as part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the
collection of duties for the Department of Treasury.
CBP also supports many other government agencies
such as FDA, Department of Commerce, and Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS). This last agency is responsible for
monitoring wood products under the Lacey Act.
Time, Technology & Expectations
Until recently the documentation of imports and
the collection of duties were managed via paperwork. Advances in
communication and computer technologies now makes Customs
transactions faster and more accurate. Along with this there is a
greater expectation by CBP that the transactions will be more
timely and more accurate.
