Custom vs. Customs: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Comparison Chart
Grammatical Usage
Generally used as a noun, sometimes as an adjective.
Used as a noun, typically in its plural form.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Scope
Pertains to individual, societal, or cultural behaviors and practices.
Involves national and international laws and regulations on trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Application
Can be related to various societal or individual practices and behaviors.
Primarily related to international trade and border control.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Focus
On traditions and habitual practices.
On regulatory processes and trade control.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Custom and Customs Definitions
Custom
A habitual practice of an individual or a group.
It was his custom to read before bed.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Customs
The procedure involved in transporting goods across borders.
The parcel is stuck in customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Custom
Established patterns of behavior among a group of people.
Wearing black at funerals is a common custom.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Custom
A thing that one does habitually.
Drinking a cup of tea in the morning is her custom.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Customs
The official organization responsible for controlling the transport of goods into and out of a country.
Customs confiscated the prohibited items.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
The location at a border checkpoint where customs checks are carried out.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
The government department administering the collection of import tariffs. Used with as singular verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Customs
The government department responsible for collecting taxes on goods entering the country.
She works for the Customs department.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Customs
Duties imposed on imported goods.
He had to pay customs on the imported furniture.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Custom
A traditional and accepted way of behaving or doing something.
It is a custom to exchange gifts during Christmas.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Custom
Long-established practices considered as unwritten law.
According to custom, the eldest son inherits the estate.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
Are customs duties mandatory?
Yes, customs duties are mandatory taxes imposed on imported and, sometimes, exported goods.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Is custom always related to traditions?
Generally, yes. Custom usually refers to traditional and habitual practices or behaviors.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can custom refer to individual habits?
Yes, custom can refer to habitual practices of an individual or a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Does customs regulate the import and export of goods?
Yes, customs controls and regulates the importation and exportation of goods, ensuring compliance with laws.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Can custom relate to manners and etiquette?
Certainly, custom can encompass manners, etiquette, and social conduct in a given culture.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Does customs include the management of illegal trade?
Yes, customs is responsible for preventing and managing illegal trade and smuggling activities.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Is customs always used in plural form?
Typically, yes. When referring to the government agency or procedures, “customs” is usually plural.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can a custom change over time?
Yes, customs can evolve or change over time due to societal changes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can custom be seen as unwritten law?
Yes, some long-established customs may be considered as unwritten law within societies.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Is customs enforcement crucial for national security?
Absolutely, customs enforcement is essential for maintaining national security and legal trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can customs be a source of revenue for governments?
Definitely, the duties collected by customs are a significant source of revenue for many governments.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Is every custom followed by everyone in a society?
No, some customs may be followed by specific groups within a society.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Do customs procedures vary by country?
Yes, customs procedures and regulations can vary significantly from one country to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
