The CBSA performs operations related to customs, immigration and the importation of food, plants and animals. Its activities include intelligence, interdiction and enforcement. It also administers international trade agreements and the collection of duties and taxes on imported goods.

Specifically it:

Administers over 90 pieces of legislation and regulations on behalf of other government departments and agencies, related to the admissibility of people and goods into, and out of, Canada,

Determines how people and goods move across our borders,

Detains people who are a danger to the public or are unlikely to present themselves to proceedings, or whose identity cannot be ascertained,

Removes people to whom a removal order has been issued. This includes people, who pose a threat to national security and those who are involved in organized crime or crimes against humanity,

Intercept illegal goods entering or leaving the country,

Protects food safety and the environment by intercepting prohibited and hazardous products,

Promotes Canadian business and economic benefits by administering trade legislation and trade agreements,

Protects Canadian producers from the injurious effects of dumped or subsidized goods,

Administers a fair and impartial redress mechanism, and

Promotes Canadian interests within various international organizations.