A customs inspector is a person who inspects people and goods as they enter or leave the country. The most thorough inspections are usually performed at the point of entry, but exit inspections may be performed as well. The job entails knowing and applying applicable federal law on a case-by-case basis as needed.
Most people only come into contact with a customs inspector or official when they arrive at an airport in a foreign country or when they return home. Traveling through international customs can be stressful because travelers have no idea what to expect, what taxes they may be charged, or how friendly a customs inspector will be. A customs inspector’s goal, in the vast majority of cases, is to get travelers on their way as quickly as possible.
A customs inspector in the United States is responsible for a variety of tasks. They may examine documents to verify a person’s identity. They may also inspect products being imported into the United States from other countries to see if any taxes are owed. They may also seize contraband, such as agricultural products that should not be brought into the country or illegal goods, leading to the arrest of the owner.
While airports are one of the most visible locations for customs officers, they are not the only location where they work. Large shipping containers are also inspected at various marine ports of entry into the United States. This is arguably more important than what happens at airports, because this is how the vast majority of imports enter the country. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, it was declared a national security priority to inspect these shipments more thoroughly.
A customs inspector may also be required to testify in court about a variety of issues in addition to these responsibilities. If something illegal is discovered being imported into the country, for example, the person responsible will almost certainly be arrested. It’s possible that the customs inspector will have to appear in court to explain what was discovered, where it was discovered, and how ownership of the illegal product was determined.
Given the stakes, a customs inspector, also known as a customs agent, must pay close attention to every detail of the job while also understanding what the law permits and prohibits. In addition, the inspector must complete each piece of paperwork as completely as possible. While this may add time to the process, which can be frustrating for both travelers and shippers, it is all part of the inspector’s job.