Task 2B. Read the text and answer the questions by one of the four options.A customs area is an area designated for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of a customs authority. It may be located within a port, airport or inland. The area is used to assess and collect duties and taxes on imported goods, control the movement of goods in and out of the country, enforce trade laws, regulations and embargoes, protect the national economy and public health, and prevent losses by means of smuggling, fraud, illegal trade and other illegal activities. In a customs area, customs officers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including customs clearance, merchandise classification, cargo shipment, goods valuation, and issuance of import and export licenses and certificates. They also have the power to inspect any vehicle, container, package, person, document or record that is believed to contain evidence of a violation of customs law. If necessary, they can seize and detain goods, impose fines and penalties, and initiate legal proceedings against individuals and companies involved in illegal activities. To carry out their duties effectively, customs officers use a variety of tools, techniques and technologies. These include x-ray machines, sniffer dogs, metal detectors, seal verification systems, risk assessment models, and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems. They also work closely with other government agencies, such as police, immigration, health, agriculture, environment and intellectual property rights authorities, as well as with international organizations, such as INTERPOL, World Customs Organization (WCO) and World Trade Organization (WTO). The role of customs officers has become increasingly important in recent years due to the growing volume and complexity of international trade, the emergence of new security threats, the expansion of e-commerce, and the rise of global supply chains. As a result, there is a high demand for skilled and knowledgeable customs professionals who are able to detect and deter a wide range of risks, including smuggling, counterfeiting, money laundering, terrorist financing, human trafficking, drug trafficking, wildlife trafficking, arms trafficking, and commercial fraud.
Questions:
7. What is the overall goal of customs officers in carrying out their duties?