Department of the Treasury U. S. Customs Service Washington, D.C. 20229

The U.S. Customs Service, part of the Department of the Treasury, played a crucial role in enforcing the nation's customs laws and regulations, collecting import duties, and ensuring the compliance of imported goods with various U.S. laws. Established in 1789, the agency was one of the oldest federal agencies and was instrumental in funding the federal government through the collection of tariffs and duties.

In Washington, D.C., the headquarters of the U.S. Customs Service coordinated nationwide efforts, including the monitoring of borders and ports of entry, combating smuggling and trade fraud, and enforcing laws related to intellectual property rights and agricultural safety. The service also played a significant role in homeland security, working closely with other federal agencies to safeguard the United States from threats that could enter through trade and travel.

The U.S. Customs Service's functions were eventually transferred to the newly formed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. This reorganization aimed to enhance the security of the U.S. borders while facilitating lawful international trade and travel. The legacy of the U.S. Customs Service continues through these agencies, which maintain the mission of protecting the nation and supporting economic prosperity through secure and efficient customs processes.