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Customs and import authority in Gibraltar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
His Majesty's Customs (Gibraltar) are the primary customs and import authority in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. It is a uniformed, enforcement body, controlled by the Ministry of Finance, Government of Gibraltar. The customs officers check commercial goods and ordinary people entering with possessions into the territory.[1]
His Majesty's Customs (Gibraltar) | |
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![]() The logo of HM Customs Gibraltar | |
![]() The flag of Gibraltar | |
Common name | HM Customs |
Abbreviation | HM Customs |
Agency overview | |
Formed | 14 May, 1750 |
Jurisdictional structure | |
National agency (Operations jurisdiction) | GIB |
Operations jurisdiction | GIB |
![]() | |
HM Customs' jurisdiction (beige) | |
Size | 6.8 km² |
Population | 34,000 |
Legal jurisdiction | As per operations jurisdiction |
Governing body | Government of Gibraltar, Ministry of Finance |
General nature | |
Specialist jurisdiction | |
Operational structure | |
Headquarters | Customs House, Waterport |
Agency executive |
|
Parent agency | Ministry of Finance |
Facilities | |
Prisons | His Majesty's Prison, Gibraltar |
Patrol cars | Yes |
Vans | Yes |
RIBs | Yes |
Dogs | Yes |
Website | |
The main purpose of HM Customs Gibraltar is to carry out customs duties at the entry points to the territory, search for suspected illegal weapons, drugs or goods, carry out basic good-import checks and requirements. To this end, both fixed posts and patrols are used.
In May 2020, they celebrated their 270 years of existence with a parade at No. 6 Convent Place and their headquarters.[2]
The Collector of Customs is the most senior customs officer and is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the organisation.
Customs officers, up to and including the Collector of Customs, wear a traditional British customs uniform.
The symbol of HM Customs is a portcullis, surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by a crown, representing their authority and the monarch.
For men this includes:
Formal dress:[3]
Marine dress:[6]
For women this includes; the same as above apart from the fact that the white-topped female bowler cap with capbadge and black capband is worn instead of the males' peaked cap.[7] A skirt may also be worn in lieu of trousers, in formal dress.
All medals and decorations (including medal ribbons whilst not on parade) are to be worn on the left side of the tunic.
The rank structure follows the UK HM Customs rank structure.
Rank | Customs Officer | Executive Customs Officer | Senior Customs Officer | Assistant Collector | Collector of Customs |
Abbreviation | CO | ECO | SCO | ASC | COC |
Insignia | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
HM Customs have marked road vehicles for customs duties, fitted with blue flashing lights and sirens. The current vehicles are dark blue, with blue and yellow markings and the HM Customs crest as well as appropriate wording.[9]
The Customs of Gibraltar operate a Marine Unit, which operates two-high speed RIBs.[10] The Maritime Journal reported that "Performance patrol boat specialist FB Design has recently delivered two high speed RIBs to HM Customs in Gibraltar. Capable of speeds of over 50 knots these two RIBs are based on standard production hull designs developed by this Italian builder, but they have been fully customised to meet the requirements of the Customs".
HM Customs does carry out counter-drug operations, sometimes in conjunction with the Royal Gibraltar Police and Spanish Guardia Civil. HM Customs seizes illegal drugs and carries out deterrence operations.[11]
HM Customs have a Twitter account.
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