CBP (Customs and Border Protection)

What is CBP?

CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, formed in 2003, that regulates international travel and trade into the U.S. CBP examines import paperwork like commercial invoices and packing lists, collects import duties, and performs customs exams.

CBP partners with other government agencies to regulate commercially imported products. Some of these partner government agencies (PGAs) include:

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
• APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
• FWS (Fish and Wildlife Service)
• NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service)
• NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

What does CBP do when your shipment arrives?

Importers or their customs brokers file entry data with CBP. CBP reviews it and decides whether to release the cargo, ask for more information, or select it for an exam. Exams range from document reviews to X-ray scans to a full physical inspection. Accurate invoices, correct tariff classifications, and clear product descriptions reduce the chance of a hold.

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