Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent (CBP BPA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Border Patrol Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "prohibited articles" refers specifically to goods that the law does not allow to enter the commerce of the United States. These are items that have been deemed illegal due to various reasons, including safety concerns, health risks, or violations of U.S. laws and regulations.

This classification is crucial for Customs and Border Protection as they work to enforce national laws and protect the public from harmful or illegal products. The concept encompasses a broad range of items, such as certain drugs, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods, or wildlife products that violate conservation laws.

While terms like "restricted articles," "quarantine items," and "non-compliant goods" also relate to goods entering the U.S., they refer to different situations. "Restricted articles" may still be permissible under certain conditions, whereas "quarantine items" are typically those that are subject to health inspections or restrictions due to pest or disease concerns. "Non-compliant goods" generally refers to products that fail to meet specific regulatory standards but are not necessarily prohibited by law. Thus, "prohibited articles" specifically denotes goods that are outright banned from commerce in the U.S.