Custom vs. Customs: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 6, 2023
Custom refers to a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something, while Customs is a government agency or the procedures involved in controlling the import of goods.
Key Differences
Custom and Customs are two distinct terms, each with its own specific implications and uses. Custom generally pertains to a traditional and regular practice or way of behaving that is specific to a particular society, group, or individual. It represents a pattern of behavior or activity that has been established over time and is considered customary or usual within a particular context. Customs, in contrast, typically relates to the government department responsible for collecting tariffs and for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, and personal effects, into and out of a country.
Delving further, custom can describe actions, attitudes, or behaviors that are habitual and rooted in tradition, reflecting societal norms and values. It underscores the collective practices that characterize and distinguish a particular group or community. On the other hand, Customs involves regulations and policies that oversee the importation and exportation of goods, ensuring legal and regulated trade. It emphasizes the enforcement of laws relating to international trade and encompasses the procedures, duties, and taxes involved in the transportation of goods across borders.
Custom can also be a singular term signifying a singular practice or way of doing things typical for a particular culture or group. It is entrenched in cultural, social, or familial norms and can range from everyday habits to ceremonial practices. Conversely, Customs, often used in its plural form, signifies the collective processes and regulations managing international trade, focusing on the inspection and regulation of goods entering or leaving a country, ensuring compliance with national and international laws.
Finally, while custom is about traditions, behaviors, and practices ingrained in society and followed by individuals or groups, Customs is about controlling and regulating international trade. Custom shapes and reflects cultural identity, representing shared practices and values. In contrast, Customs serves as a national regulatory mechanism, balancing legal trade, national security, and economic interests by overseeing and managing the entry and exit of goods.
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Usage
Generally used as a noun, sometimes as an adjective.
Used as a noun, typically in its plural form.
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Meaning
Refers to a traditional or habitual practice or way of behaving.
Refers to the governmental procedures related to the import and export of goods.
Scope
Pertains to individual, societal, or cultural behaviors and practices.
Involves national and international laws and regulations on trade.
Application
Can be related to various societal or individual practices and behaviors.
Primarily related to international trade and border control.
Focus
On traditions and habitual practices.
On regulatory processes and trade control.
Custom and Customs Definitions
Custom
A habitual practice of an individual or a group.
It was his custom to read before bed.
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Customs
The procedure involved in transporting goods across borders.
The parcel is stuck in customs.
Custom
Established patterns of behavior among a group of people.
Wearing black at funerals is a common custom.
Customs
The place at a port or airport where goods are inspected and duties are collected.
We had to wait at customs for two hours.
Custom
A thing that one does habitually.
Drinking a cup of tea in the morning is her custom.
Customs
The official organization responsible for controlling the transport of goods into and out of a country.
Customs confiscated the prohibited items.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Customs
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Customs
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Customs
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Customs
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Customs
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Customs
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Customs
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Customs
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Customs
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Customs
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Customs
Made to order
Custom suits.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Customs
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Customs
(in the plural) The duties or taxes imposed on imported or exported goods.
Customs of £200 were due on all the wine we took back from France.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Customs
The government department or agency that is authorised to collect the taxes imposed on imported goods.
Customs stopped us in the airport for an inspection.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Customs
The process of going through customs checks at a border checkpoint.
They usually don't care about customs, but she was clearly planning on selling most of it.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Customs
The location at a border checkpoint where customs checks are carried out.
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
Customs
Plural of custom
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Customs
Money collected under a tariff; a duty imposed on imported goods.
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Customs
The government department administering the collection of import tariffs. Used with as singular verb.
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Customs
That area within an airport, sea port, or other border station where freight or the baggage of travellers is checked for dutiable materials or contraband; as, it took an hour to get through customs.
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
Customs
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Customs
The government department responsible for collecting taxes on goods entering the country.
She works for the Customs department.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Customs
Duties imposed on imported goods.
He had to pay customs on the imported furniture.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Custom
A traditional and accepted way of behaving or doing something.
It is a custom to exchange gifts during Christmas.
Custom
Long-established practices considered as unwritten law.
According to custom, the eldest son inherits the estate.
FAQs
Are customs duties mandatory?
Yes, customs duties are mandatory taxes imposed on imported and, sometimes, exported goods.
Is custom always related to traditions?
Generally, yes. Custom usually refers to traditional and habitual practices or behaviors.
Can custom refer to individual habits?
Yes, custom can refer to habitual practices of an individual or a group.
Does customs regulate the import and export of goods?
Yes, customs controls and regulates the importation and exportation of goods, ensuring compliance with laws.
Can customs refer to the place where goods are inspected?
Yes, customs can refer to the place at a port, airport, or border where goods are inspected.
Can custom relate to manners and etiquette?
Certainly, custom can encompass manners, etiquette, and social conduct in a given culture.
Does customs include the management of illegal trade?
Yes, customs is responsible for preventing and managing illegal trade and smuggling activities.
Is customs always used in plural form?
Typically, yes. When referring to the government agency or procedures, “customs” is usually plural.
Can a custom change over time?
Yes, customs can evolve or change over time due to societal changes.
Can custom be seen as unwritten law?
Yes, some long-established customs may be considered as unwritten law within societies.
Is customs enforcement crucial for national security?
Absolutely, customs enforcement is essential for maintaining national security and legal trade.
Can customs be a source of revenue for governments?
Definitely, the duties collected by customs are a significant source of revenue for many governments.
Is adhering to local customs important when visiting a new country?
Absolutely, respecting local customs is essential when visiting a new country to avoid offense and to foster positive interactions.
Is every custom followed by everyone in a society?
No, some customs may be followed by specific groups within a society.
Do customs procedures vary by country?
Yes, customs procedures and regulations can vary significantly from one country to another.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
