U.S. Customs Service

The U.S. Customs Service, now part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is a government agency responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting tariffs, and ensuring that goods entering the country comply with U.S. laws. It helps prevent illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, from crossing borders and protects the American economy by enforcing trade agreements. The agency also oversees the movement of people and goods at ports of entry, ensuring national security and protecting public health. Its primary goal is to balance trade facilitation with security measures.