# Tasks & work activities — customs and excise officer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 33-3051.04 (Customs and Border Protection Officers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- **[Core]** Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- **[Core]** Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- **[Core]** Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- **[Core]** Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- **[Core]** Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
- **[Core]** Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- **[Core]** Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
- **[Core]** Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
- **[Core]** Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
- **[Supplemental]** Investigate applications for duty refunds and petition for remission or mitigation of penalties when warranted.

## Detailed work activities

- Calculate tax information.
- Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information.
- Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
- Detain suspects or witnesses.
- Examine personal documentation to ensure that it is valid.
- Inform others about laws or regulations.
- Inspect cargo to identify potential hazards.
- Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- Investigate legal issues.
- Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
- Maintain operational records.
- Obtain property information.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.