For a country of your choice, briefly explain the powers of the Customs authority. In addition, give TWO examples of how those powers may help international movements of goods and TWO examples of how failing to comply with Customs requirements may hinder international movements of goods.

CBP's powers include collecting import duties and taxes, enforcing trade laws and regulations (e.g., intellectual property rights, import quotas, safety standards), preventing the entry of prohibited goods, and conducting inspections of cargo and conveyances. They also have the authority to detain, seize, and forfeit goods that violate customs laws.

• Example 1: Trade Facilitation Programs: CBP implements programs like the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), which allows certified, low-risk businesses to receive expedited processing and fewer inspections, significantly speeding up the movement of their goods across borders.
• Example 2: Advance Rulings: Importers can obtain advance rulings on the classification, valuation, and origin of their goods before shipment. This provides certainty regarding duties and regulatory requirements, preventing delays and disputes at the port of entry.

• Example 1: Incorrect Documentation/Classification: Failure to provide accurate or complete documentation, or misclassifying goods, can lead to cargo being detained for extensive review, requiring corrections, and potentially incurring storage fees, demurrage charges, and significant delays in delivery.
• Example 2: Prohibited or Undeclared Goods: Attempting to import prohibited items or failing to declare all goods can result in the seizure of the entire shipment, imposition of substantial fines, and even criminal prosecution. This completely halts the movement of the non-compliant goods and can damage the importer's reputation.