customs officer

Meaning

A customs officer is a government official who checks the luggage and goods of travelers entering a country to ensure they are not bringing in illegal items and to collect taxes on imported goods. This term is neutral and official. Conversations with or about them are typically polite and formal.

Examples

• The customs officer asked me if I had anything to declare.

  The customs officer asked me if I had anything to declare.

• You must show your passport and declaration form to the customs officer.

  You must show your passport and declaration form to the customs officer.

• The customs officer carefully inspected the wooden souvenirs I bought.

  The customs officer carefully inspected the wooden souvenirs I bought.

• I was nervous when the customs officer opened my suitcase.

  I was nervous when the customs officer opened my suitcase.

• A polite customs officer helped us understand the duty-free limits.

  A polite customs officer helped us understand the duty-free limits.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The custom officer checked my bags.

  ✓ The customs officer checked my bags.

  Always use 'customs' with an 's' when referring to the border control department or its officers. 'Custom' without an 's' means a tradition or habit.

• ✗ I had to talk to the border police officer about my luggage tax.

  ✓ I had to talk to the customs officer about my luggage tax.

  While 'border police' secure the border, the specific official who handles taxes, duties, and luggage inspection is the 'customs officer'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The ___ asked if I was carrying more than ten thousand dollars in cash.

  💡 The official who checks goods at the border.

  Show answer

  customs officer

• Make sure you have your declaration card ready for the ___.

  💡 The person inspecting bags at arrivals.

  Show answer

  customs officer