The first duty of a customs officer is to inspect the passports of people entering the country and verify they are legally qualified to cross the border. Foreign travelers with passports from their home countries fall into three categories in the U.S.: immigrant, non-immigrant and visa-free travel. All individuals with a visa must have the document verified, and those who are visiting must state the purpose of their trip to a customs agent.
As a division within Homeland Security, customs' most important duty is to prevent dangerous, prohibited or illegal items from entering the country. Any item that poses a threat to citizens within the country or customs will be confiscated by the CBP and the traveler can be held in detention. Items that fall into this category are weapons, biological agents or chemicals and drugs, states the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Other items prohibited from entering the country without special permission include plants and seeds, fruits and vegetables.
All goods that pass through U.S. borders must adhere to tax and tariff laws. Some of the items that fall into this category are cigarettes, liquor, textiles and garments. As border agents, customs must screen goods entering the country and apply applicable tariffs to taxable items. They also have the authority to legally penalize an individual or organization bringing in large volumes of goods without declaring them first.
One of the main duties of customs is to work alongside travelers and answer questions as well as assist individuals who have disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, customs officials must treat each person with dignity, courtesy and respect. Customs officials must be able to explain the customs procedure to travelers in full and provide assistance to passengers during delays and to those who have disabilities and trouble with mobility.
