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Customs is the government service that controls goods entering or leaving a country or customs territory, collects applicable duties and taxes, and enforces restrictions on prohibited or regulated goods.

A customs checkpoint is a control point where drivers and passengers may be required to stop, declare goods and present documents. Vehicles, luggage and cargo may be inspected in accordance with local law.

It may be indicated by signs displaying words such as Customs, Douane, Zoll or another local-language equivalent. Barriers, traffic lights, lane arrows and instructions from officers may also control access.

Yes, when the sign or officer requires it. Reduce speed, enter the indicated lane and stop at the line, barrier or place shown.

No. Customs primarily controls goods, money and cargo. Passport or immigration control concerns people, identity documents and permission to enter or leave a territory. Both controls may take place at the same border facility.

No. Several countries may form a customs union with no routine customs formalities between them. Some territories may also have a different customs status from the country to which they belong.

No. Some borders have permanent facilities, while others have mobile, temporary or selective controls. Borders within a customs union may have no routine customs checkpoint.

Yes. Depending on local law, checks may occur at ports, ferry terminals, airports, warehouses, inspection areas or inland road-control locations.

Reduce speed, observe the lane signs and be prepared to stop. Keep the required identification, vehicle, travel and goods documents accessible and follow the officers’ instructions.

Customs may request identification, vehicle documents, receipts, invoices, transport papers, customs declarations, permits or proof of ownership, depending on the journey and goods carried.

Goods exceeding duty-free allowances, commercial goods and certain restricted products may require a declaration. The applicable rules depend on the customs territory, journey, quantity, value and intended use.

Where these channels are used, the red channel is generally for travellers who have goods to declare or need assistance. The green channel is for travellers who believe they have nothing that must be declared. Using the green channel does not prevent an inspection.

Yes, subject to local law. Officers may examine luggage, cargo spaces, vehicle compartments and accompanying documents to verify that customs rules are being followed.

No. Duty-free allowances normally apply only within specified values, quantities and conditions. Restricted goods or quantities exceeding an allowance may still require declaration and payment.

Many countries require travellers carrying cash or other monetary instruments above a specified amount to make a declaration. The threshold, definition of cash and procedure differ between customs territories.

Ordinary personal belongings used during a journey are often admitted without duties, but newly purchased, high-value, commercial or restricted goods may be subject to special requirements.

Commercial goods normally require customs documentation and may be subject to duties, taxes, inspections, permits, origin rules and transit procedures. The driver must carry the documents required for the shipment.

Restricted goods may include certain foods, plants, animals, medicines, weapons, cultural objects, protected species, counterfeit products and hazardous materials. Requirements vary by country.

Undeclared goods may be detained or seized, and the traveller may have to pay duties, taxes, fines or other penalties. Serious cases may lead to criminal proceedings.

Follow the instructions of authorised customs, police and border officers, together with traffic lights, barriers, lane signals and road signs.