Multiple Choice Questions: Customs Operations and Legislations
1. What is the primary role of Customs in the 21st century?
A) To maximize revenue collection above all else.
B) To enhance growth and development through trade facilitation and border security.
C) To restrict all unnecessary international trade.
D) To focus solely on preventing drug smuggling.
2. The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) is primarily a blueprint for:
A) International tax laws.
B) Modern and efficient customs procedures.
C) Military security at borders.
D) Agricultural export standards.
3. Why do countries engage in international trade?
A) Because they are self-sufficient.
B) To obtain benefits from absolute or comparative advantage.
C) To reduce their dependence on global institutions.
D) To complicate their economic policies.
4. Which of the following is a key objective of the RKC?
A) To maximize customs intervention in cargo movements.
B) To minimize the level of trade facilitation.
C) To minimize customs intervention and maximize trade facilitation.
D) To create uniform customs uniforms globally.
5. Which of these international agreements/institutions is Ethiopia NOT mentioned as
being a part of?
A) World Trade Organization (WTO)
B) World Customs Organization (WCO)
C) AFCFTA
D) COMESA
6. What does "customs business" encompass?
A) Only the physical inspection of goods.
B) Only the calculation and payment of duties.
C) All activities related to the importation and exportation of goods subject to customs laws.
D) Only the legal prosecution of smugglers.
7. A primary reason for customs to assess duties and taxes is to:
A) Set the market price for domestic goods.
B) Ensure nothing enters or leaves the country against the legislation.
C) Fund international travel for government officials.
D) Encourage the importation of used clothing.
8. Customs operations are a key factor for:
A) Military strategy and national defense.
B) Trade facilitation and economic development.
C) Cultural assimilation and language policy.
D) Domestic retail market regulation.
9. Which of the following is a responsibility of modern customs administrations?
A) Managing the national airline.
B) Protection of intellectual property rights.
C) Setting interest rates for banks.
D) Providing housing for citizens.
10. When was customs first established as a formal government agency in Ethiopia?
A) During the Axumite kingdom
B) During the reign of Emperor Minelik II
C) Immediately after World War II
D) Following the 1974 revolution
11. The current core legislation governing Ethiopian customs is:
A) Proclamation No. 39/1943
B) Proclamation 145/1955
C) Proclamation 622/2001
D) Proclamation 859/2006 (as amended)
12. Who has the constitutional power to levy and collect customs duties in Ethiopia?
A) The Regional Governments
B) The Municipalities
C) The Federal Government
D) The World Customs Organization
13. What is the definition of "customs territory"?
A) A 15km wide strip along the border.
B) The territory of Ethiopia.
C) Only the designated dry ports and airports.
D) Any country that has signed the RKC.
14. "Prohibited goods" refer to items that are:
A) Allowed in with an extra fee.
B) Banned from import/export under Ethiopian law or international agreements.
C) Only restricted for environmental reasons.
D) Temporarily held for inspection.
15. Which of the following is an example of a "restricted good"?
A) Cocaine
B) Historical artifacts
C) Weapons
D) Used clothes
16. Which of the following is a principle of customs operations under Proclamation
859/2006?
A) Secrecy
B) Risk Management
C) Maximum Discretion
D) Mandatory Physical Inspection
17. A "carrier" is obligated to:
A) Pay the duties on the goods they transport.
B) Use authorized customs routes for arrival and departure.
C) Classify the goods using the tariff book.
D) Sell the goods if the owner fails to clear them.
18. According to Article 133, any person with information about contraband must:
A) Inform the trade community.
B) Immediately inform the nearest customs branch or law enforcement body.
C) Confront the owner of the goods directly.
D) Only act if a reward is offered.
19. The purpose of customs control is to:
A) Delay trade for comprehensive security screening.
B) Ensure duties are collected and prevent breaches of customs law.
C) Promote the import of certain restricted goods.
D) Train new officers on identification techniques.
20. How wide is the "customs frontier strip"?
A) 5 kilometers
B) 10 kilometers
C) 15 kilometers
D) 20 kilometers
21. All import and export goods must enter or exit through a:
A) Major commercial airport.
B) Prescribed customs port or customs crossing.
C) Any point along the land border.
D) Designated diplomatic post.
22. Which of these is a measure taken under customs control?
A) Negotiating international trade agreements.
B) Examining luggage carried by travelers.
C) Setting commodity prices on the global market.
D) Providing banking services to importers.
23. Restricted goods will be confiscated if:
A) They are discovered at all.
B) A permit is not submitted within one month and the goods are not re-exported within one
month.
C) Their value is declared below market price.
D) The carrier cannot be immediately identified.
24. Goods can be confiscated if the undervaluation discrepancy is more than ___ and the
tax difference exceeds 1 million Birr.
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 100%
25. After seizing goods, the owner must be given an opportunity to object within:
A) 7 days
B) 15 days
C) 1 month (30 days)
D) 3 months
26. What happens to goods brought by a tourist who overstays their legal permit?
A) They are automatically returned to their country of origin.
B) They are donated to local charities.
C) They shall be forfeited to the government.
D) They are auctioned after 6 months.
27. The duty to cooperate with customs officers (Article 135) applies to:
A) Only licensed customs brokers.
B) Only federal police officers.
C) Any person.
D) Only the owners of the goods.
28. The confiscation of goods does not affect the rights of:
A) The original smuggler.
B) Third parties who acquired the goods in good faith.
C) The customs officer who made the seizure.
D) The government agency that takes possession.
29. Which amendment proclamation details the confiscation of goods for unpaid fines?
A) 1160/2011
B) 518/2014
C) 368/1998
D) 145/1955
30. According to Article 149, if smuggling is suspected, customs officers can search
premises:
A) Without any authorization at any time.
B) Only with a warrant.
C) Only if the owner is present and gives consent.
D) Only after sunset.
Answer
1. B To enhance growth and development through trade facilitation and border security.
2. B Modern and efficient customs procedures.
3. B To obtain benefits from absolute or comparative advantage.
4. C To minimize customs intervention and maximize trade facilitation.
5. A World Trade Organization (WTO)
6. C All activities related to the importation and exportation of goods subject to customs laws.
7. B Ensure nothing enters or leaves the country against the legislation.
8. B Trade facilitation and economic development.
9. B Protection of intellectual property rights.
10. B During the reign of Emperor Minelik II
11. D Proclamation 859/2006 (as amended)
12. C The Federal Government
13. B The territory of Ethiopia.
14. B Banned from import/export under Ethiopian law or international agreements.
15. C Weapons
16. B Risk Management
17. B Use authorized customs routes for arrival and departure.
18. B Immediately inform the nearest customs branch or law enforcement body.
19. B Ensure duties are collected and prevent breaches of customs law.
20. C 15 kilometers
21. B Prescribed customs port or customs crossing.
22. B Examining luggage carried by travelers.
23. B A permit is not submitted within one month and the goods are not re-exported within one
month.
24. C 50%
25. C 1 month (30 days)
26. C They shall be forfeited to the government.
27. C Any person.
28. B Third parties who acquired the goods in good faith.
29. A 1160/2011
30. B Only with a warrant.