[] (usuallyCustoms) the government department that gives permission for goods to be imported and charges taxes on them (import duties); the officials at an airport, etc. that work for this department（政府部门）海关◆The Customs have seized large quantities of cigarettes and tobacco.海关查获了大批香烟和烟草制品。◆obtaining customs clearance for the goods (= permission to import them)为货物办理进口清关手续HELP American English uses a singular verb with customs in this meaning.customs 这用法在美式英语中，是与单数动词连用的。➡Customs and Excise , customs officer the place at an airport, etc. where your bags are checked as you come into a country（机场等的）海关◆to go through customs and passport control通过海关并交验护照 ()