Customhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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customhouse
[ ˈkʌstəmhaʊs ]
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.
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
Etymology
The word 'customhouse' originates from the combination of 'custom', which refers to duties or taxes imposed by a government on goods that are imported or exported, and 'house', which has been used since the Middle Ages in English to describe a building or location where specific activities or functions are carried out. The term 'custom' comes from the Old French 'costume', which means 'tax, duty', derived from the Latin 'consuetudo' meaning 'usage, practice'. The establishment of customhouses became particularly important during the age of exploration and international trade, as governments sought to regulate commerce, collect taxes, and prevent smuggling. Over time, customhouses evolved to incorporate various roles beyond just tax collection, including trade regulation, inspection, and facilitation of international commerce, leading to their vital role in today's globalized economy.