Happy Anniversary, CBP!

The U.S. Customs Service, CBP’s oldest legacy agency, was established on July 31, 1789, by the fifth act of the first Congress to "regulate the Collection of the Duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandise imported into the United States." These duties funded nearly the entire U.S. government over the next century.

The first ship under the new Customs regulations entered the port of New York on Aug. 5, 1789, less than a week after the creation of Customs. The brigantine Persis sailed from Italy to New York carrying goods consigned to William Seton, a successful importer who also served as cashier of the Bank of New York under Alexander Hamilton. Seton paid a duty of $774.41, the first collected by the U.S.

Today, CBP’s responsibilities have greatly expanded. NTEU-represented CBP employees facilitate legitimate trade and travel, interdict illicit goods and drugs, and protect the country’s agriculture at the 328 land, air and sea ports around the country. NTEU is proud to represent these men and women who work around the clock to keep the country safe, secure  and prosperous.