The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) performs two crucial roles in facilitating trade to and from the U.S. and around the globe: securing it from acts of terrorism and assuring that goods arriving in the U.S. are legitimate and that appropriate duties and fees are paid.
At U.S. ports of entry CBP officers or employees are assigned to accept merchandise, clear travelers, collect duties, and enforce U.S. import and export laws and regulations. Immigration policy and programs are also enforced here.
Other Border Entry Tips
- Prohibited agricultural items can harbor foreign animal and plant pests and diseases that could seriously damage America’s crops, livestock, pets, and the environment – and a large sector of our country’s economy.
- Travelers entering the United States are required to DECLARE any meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, animals, and plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.
- Prohibited items that are not declared by passengers are confiscated and disposed of by CBP agriculture specialists. In addition, civil penalties for individuals may be assessed for violations and may range up to $1,000 for a first-time offense or as high as $50,000.