Import Regulations Reference
Guide
THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER
PROTECTION
Profile
• Established in 1789 by the second act of the First
Congress and is older than the Department of the
Treasury (DOT), of which it is a part.
• Principle source of revenue for the United States during
its first 125 years of existence: 95 percent to 99 percent
of total government revenue.
• Currently provides the nation with the second source
of revenue, calculated at an estimated $22.1 billion
dollars to the DOT for fiscal year 2003.
• Administers the laws, executive orders, and presidential
proclamations governing the importation of merchan-
dise and baggage and collection of duties and taxes
thereon.
• The entry, clearance, and report of arrival and the
unloading of vessels, ...