CUSTOMS OFFICIAL Meaning and
Definition
-
A customs official is a government-appointed officer responsible for enforcing customs laws and regulations at international borders or ports of entry. These professionals are essential in facilitating the movement of goods and people across international boundaries while ensuring compliance with import and export laws.
Customs officials have diverse responsibilities such as inspecting and examining luggage, cargo, and accompanying documentation to detect and prevent unauthorized or prohibited goods from entering or leaving a country. They assess and collect duties, taxes, and fees on imported or exported goods, verifying the accuracy of declared values and quantities. Customs officials also play a pivotal role in combating smuggling, illegal trade, and other illicit activities by working closely with law enforcement agencies and employing advanced technological systems (such as X-ray scanners and drug-detection tools) to identify contraband goods.
Additionally, customs officials collaborate with other countries and international organizations to harmonize customs procedures, foster trade facilitation, and implement trade agreements. They may also provide guidance and assistance to individuals and businesses regarding import and export requirements, regulations, and procedures. As representatives of their governments, customs officials are expected to be knowledgeable about international trade regulations, maintain integrity and confidentiality, and exercise fairness and professionalism in their interactions with travelers, importers, and exporters.
Overall, customs officials play a crucial role in safeguarding a country's borders, promoting legitimate trade, and ensuring compliance with customs laws to protect national security, public health, environment, and economic interests.
Common Misspellings for CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
- xustoms official
- vustoms official
- fustoms official
- dustoms official
- cystoms official
- chstoms official
- cjstoms official
- cistoms official
- c8stoms official
- c7stoms official
- cuatoms official
- cuztoms official
- cuxtoms official
- cudtoms official
- cuetoms official
- cuwtoms official
- cusroms official
- cusfoms official
- cusgoms official
- cusyoms official
Etymology of CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
The word "customs" in "customs official" comes from the Middle English word "custume", which originated from the Old French word "coutume". "Custume" referred to a customary due or tax imposed at the borders of a region or country. This idea of levying taxes at the borders is rooted in the Medieval Latin term "consuetudo", meaning "habit" or "custom".
The term "official" derives from the Old French word "official", which means a person invested with authority. It is derived from the Latin word "officialis", which was used to describe a person who held a position in the service of a ruler or a public official.
So, when combined, "customs official" refers to a person who is authorized by the government to enforce customs regulations and collect duties or taxes on imported and exported goods at the borders.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
