Legal Definitions - Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its primary mission is to secure the borders of the United States—including land, air, and sea ports of entry—to prevent the illegal entry of people and prohibited goods. CBP also plays a crucial role in facilitating legitimate international trade and travel, inspecting all incoming travelers and cargo, enforcing immigration and customs laws, and collecting import duties.

Here are some examples illustrating the work of Customs and Border Protection:

• Imagine a commercial truck attempting to cross the border from Canada into the United States. A CBP officer inspects the cargo manifest and then physically examines the truck's contents, discovering a hidden compartment containing several individuals attempting to enter the country without authorization. This scenario demonstrates CBP's critical role in preventing illegal immigration and securing the nation's borders against unlawful entry.

• Consider a traveler arriving at a major U.S. international airport after a vacation abroad. Upon landing, they proceed to the inspection area where a CBP officer reviews their passport, visa (if applicable), and asks questions about the purpose and duration of their trip. The officer then determines if the individual is admissible to the United States. This illustrates CBP's function in screening international travelers, verifying their documentation, and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws before granting entry.

• A U.S. company imports a large shipment of electronics from a factory in Asia. When the cargo container arrives at a U.S. seaport, CBP agents process the shipment. They verify that the declared contents match the manifest, ensure that all necessary safety and trade regulations are met, and confirm that the appropriate import duties (tariffs) are paid. This example highlights CBP's responsibility for regulating international trade, collecting government revenue, and protecting consumers from unsafe or non-compliant goods.