CUSTOMS SERVICE

• USIRG
• Latitude: 37.6547
• Longitude: -76.4217
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CBP's primary responsibility is enforcing US customs regulations and ensuring the secure and lawful passage of goods and people across US borders, including through marine ports. Here's a detailed description and specification of the customs services provided at US marine ports:

Marine Ports Description:

1. Purpose and Scope

   • Facilitation of Trade: Marine ports serve as critical points for the import and export of goods. CBP ensures proper assessment, collection of duties, and compliance with trade laws.
   • National Security: Ports are crucial for national security, and CBP works to prevent the entry of contraband, including illegal drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items.
   • Passenger Clearance: Some marine ports also process passengers arriving via cruise ships, ensuring compliance with immigration laws.

2. Infrastructure and Facilities

   • Inspection Facilities: Equipped with warehouses, docks, and container yards where goods are examined.
   • Technology: Utilizes non-intrusive inspection (NII) systems, X-rays, radiation detectors, and automated targeting systems to screen cargo.
   • Operational Areas: Include primary and secondary inspection zones, examination docks, and storage facilities for detained goods.

3. Personnel and Functions

   • Customs Officers: Trained to inspect goods, collect duties, and ensure compliance with US import/export regulations.
   • Agricultural Specialists: Focus on preventing the entry of harmful pests and diseases that could affect US agriculture.
   • Special Agents: Investigate crimes related to customs violations, including smuggling and fraud.

Specifications and Procedures:

1. Documentation and Entry Processing

   • Entry Submission: Importers must submit entry documentation electronically through systems like the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
   • Manifest Review: Detailed examination of cargo manifests to identify high-risk shipments.
   • Customs Declarations: All goods must be accurately declared, specifying tariff classifications, values, and quantities.

2. Inspection and Examination

   • Risk Assessment: Utilizes intelligence and automated systems to identify high-risk shipments for further examination.
   • Physical Inspections: Conducted at the port of entry with officers possibly opening containers and examining goods.
   • Release: Once cleared, goods are released for entry into US commerce.

3. Duties and Taxes

   • Duty Assessment: Calculation of appropriate duties based on the classification of goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
   • Payment: Importers are responsible for paying assessed duties, taxes, and fees before goods can be released.

4. Compliance and Enforcement

   • Laws and Regulations Enforcement: Ensures compliance with laws such as the Tariff Act, Trade Facilitation Agreement, and other trade-related statutes.
   • Penalties: Violations can result in penalties ranging from fines to seizure of goods, and in some cases, criminal charges.
   • Trade Policy Enforcement: Enforces trade policies, including tariffs and trade agreements.

5. Safety and Security Measures

   • Contraband Interdiction: Detects and seizes illegal drugs, weapons, counterfeit items, and other restricted goods.
   • Agricultural Inspections: Prevents the entry of foreign pests and diseases that can harm US agriculture.
   • Radiation and Nuclear Material Detection: Uses radiation portal monitors and handheld devices to detect radioactive materials.

6. Special Programs and Initiatives

   • C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism): A voluntary program where businesses ensure their supply chains are secure in return for expedited processing.
   • Automated Systems: The ACE system provides a single window for securing required documentation and expediting the customs process.
   • Automated Targeting System: Identifies high-risk containers for security screening.

Key Takeaways:

• CBP Role: Enforces customs laws, ensures national security, and facilitates legitimate trade.
• Technological Advancements: Use of advanced technology for inspecting and screening cargo.
• Compliance: Stringent documentation, assessment of duties, and enforcement of regulations to ensure compliance.
• Security Focus: Interdiction, detection, and prevention of illegal imports and activities.

The efficient operation of marine ports is critical for the US economy, national security, and international trade. US CBP plays a crucial role in managing these ports, ensuring compliance with laws, and protecting the country’s borders.