What is customs control?

Customs Control is a set of measures aimed at ensuring compliance with customs legislation. Simply put, customs control guarantees that the law is observed. Its main purpose is to prevent the movement of prohibited goods (contraband) across the border.

Forms of Customs Control

1. Verification of documents and information

This process ensures the authenticity, accuracy, and proper completion of documents. The information is cross-checked with data from other sources and analyzed against customs statistics. Mistakes most often occur in invoices, the international consignment note (CMR), and similar documents.

2. Oral questioning

This is usually conducted with individuals and their representatives.

3. Obtaining explanations

Customs officers may request written explanations regarding circumstances relevant to customs control. In practice, issues often arise with the Commodity Nomenclature (HS code). In such cases, customs authorities may request additional documents or information about the cargo.

4. Customs supervision, inspection, and examination

These terms may sound similar but serve different purposes:

Customs supervision – visual monitoring of goods and vehicles under customs control, often using technical means.

Customs inspection – an external visual check of cargo and its markings (seals, stamps, etc.) to verify its condition. Importantly, inspection does not allow the opening of cargo.

Customs examination – involves opening the packaging of goods or the cargo compartment. Note that customs officers must inform you in advance before conducting an examination.

There are cases when an examination may be carried out without the presence of a declarant or other authorized persons, such as:

when such persons fail to appear or cannot be identified
when there is a threat to national security, or
when there is a risk to the environment

5. Personal customs examination

This is the strictest form of customs control, carried out only with written authorization from the head of the customs post. It is conducted if there are grounds to suspect that an individual may be concealing goods that violate customs regulations of the Customs Union. Therefore, if you are asked to show what you carry in your bag or pockets, you have the right to request official authorization from the customs head.

Rights of an individual subject to personal examination:

to review the decision and procedure of the examination
to file petitions
to voluntarily surrender concealed goods
to speak in their native language and request an interpreter
to review the official report of the examination upon completion and submit comments for inclusion
to appeal the actions of customs officials in accordance with the Customs Code

Tip: Travel through customs with minimal baggage and always be careful when completing documents.