Recent History

After a long period during which little changed, the 1970s introduced a period of continuous change which continues to the present day. The trade in illicit drugs involved the department in greater law enforcement activity and Britain's entry into the EC obliged Jersey officers to participate in the international prevention and detection of infractions of Customs' laws. The Island is now party to various treaties and conventions covering the whole range of customs work. The two basic elements of customs work are now:

a) Collection of revenue to meet the island's requirements (including, from 6th May 2008, the collection of Jersey’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) on imports); and

b) Preventive and investigation work to combat fraud and drug related offences plus the prevention of other prohibited imports.