Countries enforce border regulations to protect their citizens from obvious threats and from danger that may be inherent in products entering the country whose danger may not be apparent. Knowing international customs regulations helps you avoid the mistake of bringing restricted products into the ports of entry in the United States and other countries.

Knowing customs regulations by region will also help you learn the different procedures you'll have to follow as you enter different countries. For example, some ports of entry require you to complete a customs declaration form. Also, regulations between regions vary so that you may have to pay duties on a product when you enter Mexico that you may not have to pay when entering Canada. Customs regulations fall into several categories:

1. Discover the airport customs rules required by the United States government.

2. Access the border regulations governing entry into Canada and Mexico from the United States.

3. Get official reports of international customs regulations when you travel abroad.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know airport customs regulations in North America

The US customs regulations enforced at airports in North America are intended to prevent individuals from passing into the country with products that the government has classified as dangerous to community health or public safety.

I recommend: Access CBP.gov so you can decide whether the products you are bringing into the United States will pass through airport customs regulations. The websites at Orlando Airports and Life Tips offer customs tips to visitors that help them avoid bringing restricted products into the country.

Discover the border crossing regulations between North American countries

If you're a businessman you travels between the United States, Canada and Mexico, you'll need to know how to do so lawfully, especially if you are carrying products that other North American countries may deem inappropriate for entry.

I recommend: The United States Department of Homeland Security will provide you with the regulations for Mexican and Canadian citizens who seek lawful entry by land or sea. Visit Canada contains the information you'll need to prepare for lengthy border crossing delays. Trip Advisor keeps you informed of the regulations governing entry into Mexico.

Gain access to customs rules in other regions

Avoid problems and unnecessary delays in your foreign travel when you have access to customs regulations in India and the United Kingdom.

I recommend: Access Mexico Law Customs to learn about the duty that the Mexican customs authority will impose on products entering that country or the duty that the United States imposes on products being imported from Mexico. The Directorate General of Systems and Data Management in India enforces strict rules regarding goods imported into that country from anywhere in the world. HM Revenue & Customs tells you the procedures for customs on products entering the United Kingdom.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Review the definitions that usually begin each region's border regulations since certain words may not have the same meaning in different countries.