Which agency is primarily responsible for customs enforcement in the U.S.?

The agency primarily responsible for customs enforcement in the U.S. is Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP operates under the Department of Homeland Security and is tasked with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. trade laws. This includes the enforcement of customs regulations and the prevention of illegal activities such as smuggling and trafficking.

CBP is key in maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders and ensuring compliance with various legal requirements related to customs. Their officers conduct inspections and can detain goods, assess duties and tariffs, and enforce trade agreements. This central role in customs enforcement underscores the agency’s importance in protecting U.S. economic interests and national security.

Other options such as the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, and International Trade Administration do engage in aspects of trade policy or regulation, but they do not have the direct enforcement capabilities related to customs as CBP does. Those agencies focus on broader economic or trade policies rather than the specific enforcement of customs laws at the borders.