Tasks & work activities — customs 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.