Which approach helps CBP balance facilitating legitimate trade with enforcing import and export laws?

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Balancing safe, efficient trade with enforcing import and export laws relies on risk-based inspections combined with accurate classification, correct duty assessment, and timely compliance enforcement. This approach targets shipments that pose higher risks or potential noncompliance, allowing low-risk goods to move quickly and smoothly through the border. When classification is precise and duties are calculated correctly, the system fairly reflects product type and value, protecting revenue and ensuring a level playing field for compliant traders. Timely enforcement then deters violations and maintains border integrity, supporting ongoing compliance and trust in the trading system.

Choosing to inspect every shipment would overwhelm resources and create unnecessary delays for legitimate trade. Delaying enforcement or focusing only on revenue collection undermines deterrence and compliance. Relying solely on importer-provided data risks misreporting and evasion, since data can be inaccurate or manipulated. The combined, risk-based approach is the most effective way to achieve both facilitation and enforcement.