Customs facts for kids
Customs is a special team or agency in a country. Their main job is to control what goods come into and go out of the country. This includes things like animals, vehicles, personal belongings, and dangerous items. They also collect special fees, called tariffs or taxes, on some of these goods.
Every country has its own rules about what can be imported (brought in) and exported (sent out). The customs team makes sure everyone follows these rules. Some goods might be limited or completely forbidden.
Goods that haven't been checked by customs yet are kept in a special place. This place is often called a bonded warehouse. All official ports, like airports and seaports, are recognized customs areas.
At airports, once a passenger has passed through customs, they usually cannot go back.
Red and Green Channels
Many international airports use a "red and green channel" system for arriving passengers. This helps make customs checks faster.
- Red Channel: Passengers who have goods to declare go through this channel. This means they are carrying items that are over the allowed customs limits or things that are forbidden.
- Green Channel: Passengers with nothing to declare use this channel. They are carrying goods within the allowed limits and no forbidden items.
Choosing a channel is a legal declaration. If someone goes through the green channel but is found with too many goods or forbidden items, they could face legal trouble. This is because they made a false declaration by choosing the green channel. Just like at the airport exit, once you enter a channel, you cannot go back.
Some countries, like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, do not officially use this red and green channel system. However, some of their airports might have a similar layout.
Images for kids
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A customs officer in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol checks the luggage of an incoming traveler.
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The Finnish police, customs and border guard working together in 2006.
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The customs-and-duty house at the port of Haifa, Israel
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Customs control zone at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow Oblast, February 2019
See also
In Spanish: Aduana para niños
