Customs
Customs authorities are public servants authorized by the country they represent to check cargo that is presented to them against the documentation that the shipper or forwarder has provided in their customs declaration. The term “customs authority” can cover a number of entities that oversee the inspection of goods for export and import. Individuals may be called customs officials, agriculture inspectors, security inspectors, etc. All of these entities are covered by the broad term “customs authority.”
Customs authorities check goods for compliance with customs documentation, whether the goods comply with export or import laws and any other regulation (e.g., embargoes, copyrights, etc.). Should a legal issue or documentation discrepancy be observed, the customs authorities have the right to hold the goods until clarification, document correction or other action is taken by the shipment owner to clear up the issue. Customs authorities, as legal representatives of their governments, can collect duties, taxes and other fees on behalf of that government.
Goods to be exported must be announced proactively to the customs authorities by the exporter. A freight forwarder can do this task on behalf of the shipper if such an entity has been contracted to handle the shipping process. On-line customs applications are available for registered organizations in some countries. In countries such as the United States, only certain organizations that have been certified according to country specific criteria as authorized economic operators can perform online declarations.
Source: FInest Domain Analysis
"A government authority designated to regulate flow of goods to / from a country and to collect duties levied by a country on imports and exports. The term also applies to the procedures involved in such collection"
Hinkelmann, E.G. 2008. Dictionary of International Trade 8th Edition. California, USA: World Trade Press
See Stakeholder
