Customs Glossary

What is CBP?

A plain-English definition for UK importers and exporters.

CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) is the US federal agency that clears goods into the United States, collects import duties and enforces US trade rules, including tariff classification.

What does CBP stand for?

CBP stands for US Customs and Border Protection, part of the US Department of Homeland Security. It is the US equivalent of the customs side of HMRC and Border Force.

Who deals with CBP?

Any business exporting goods to the US, or its US importer of record and customs broker. CBP reviews entries, can query or reclassify goods, and issues binding rulings on classification.

How it relates to classification

CBP expects every US entry to carry the correct HTSUS code. The first six digits follow the international HS code, but the US-specific digits differ from UK and EU codes, so a code that is right for the UK is not automatically right for the US.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. CBP can reclassify goods after entry and collect any extra duty, plus penalties where the error was careless.