Customhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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customhouse
[ˈkʌstəmhaʊs ]
Definition
trade regulation
A customhouse is a government building or office where customs duties are collected and goods are regulated for trade. It plays a crucial role in protecting a country's economy by ensuring that laws related to tariffs and imports are enforced.
Synonyms
customs facility, customs office.
Examples of usage
- The customhouse processed the imported goods before they could enter the country.
- She worked at the customhouse, checking shipments for compliance with import regulations.
- He had to declare his items at the customhouse when he returned from his trip.
- All packages must pass through the customhouse before distribution to avoid illegal imports.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from combining 'customs,' meaning official duties on goods, and 'house,' referring to a physical building.
- In history, the word dates back to the 14th century, when trading became more structured across borders.
History
- The earliest customhouses were established to regulate trade and collect tariffs, especially in port cities.
- During the Age of Exploration, customhouses became crucial as international trade expanded, with many nations enforcing duties on incoming products.
Architecture
- Customhouses often showcase unique architecture, reflecting the importance of trade within a region.
- A famous example is the Custom House in Dublin, Ireland, known for its neoclassical design and historical significance.
Law & Economy
- Customhouses play a vital role in a country’s economy by regulating imports and exports to protect local industries.
- They enforce laws regarding trade, ensuring goods meet safety standards and collect taxes to generate government revenue.
Pop Culture
- Customhouses often feature in films and books about smuggling or espionage, highlighting their dramatic role in security.
- Occurrences of customs inspections in popular media simulate tension, emphasizing the legal ramifications of international trade.
Translations
Translations of the word "customhouse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 alfândega
🇮🇳 कस्टम हाउस
🇩🇪 Zollhaus
🇮🇩 rumah bea
🇺🇦 митниця
🇵🇱 urzęd celny
🇯🇵 関税庁
🇫🇷 douane
🇪🇸 aduana
🇹🇷 gümrük evi
🇰🇷 세관
🇸🇦 جمارك
🇨🇿 celní úřad
🇸🇰 colný úrad
🇨🇳 海关
🇸🇮 carina
🇮🇸 tollhús
🇰🇿 кеден үйі
🇬🇪 სავაჭრო სახლია
🇦🇿 gömrük evi
🇲🇽 aduana