Sweat appears on our brows and our knuckles grip the steering wheel tighter as we prepare to answer a series of questions at the Port of Entry, But the officers at the United States Customs Service want to make this process as comfortable as possible for the everyday citizen and shopper who passes through the Port of Entry.

Bill Shoen, Supervisory Customs Inspector for the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, said citizens of the United States should feel comfortable when crossing through customs.

But he also said that people need to understand their duties arid responsibilities when coming back across the border.

After a day of shopping in Canada, Shoen offers some tips and advice for people coming back.

He said United States shoppers in Canada should take advantage of the North American Free Trade Act.

The North American Free Trade Act allows citizens in the United States and Canada to purchase most items made in Canada and the United States most merchandise manufactured in Canada and the United States is duty free for the everyday shopper," said Shoen.

That's why shoppers visiting Canada need to take a close look at items to determine their country of origin. If it was manufactured outside of Canada or the US., they may have to pay duty when they bring it home.

But even if they do have items that require a duty to be paid, they should remember that they have exemptions, depending on how long they have been in Canada.

For citizens returning in less than 48 hours from Canada, there is a duty exemption on $200 or less of off shore items (items made outside Canada and the United States), according to Shoen.

Items such as alcohol and cigarettes are not duty free items and are subject to both duty and tax, according to Shoen.

Anyone purchasing alcohol or cigarettes under 48 hours are entitled to one liter of alcohol, and one carton of cigarettes.

For shoppers staying over 48 hours in Canada, the duty on off shore items becomes $400 per person (excluding alcohol and cigarettes). But in this case families coming back across the border can group their purchases.

The buying of citrus fruits internationally is prohibited, according to Shoen. These items must be of United States origin.

For many local residents who live along the border areas, Shoen feels these people are very familiar with the rules and regulations at the border.

He said local people know how to take advantage of the North American Free Trade Act.

"People know when they can save a dollar. They'll go the extra mile," Shoen said. "Local travelers are pretty good."

Shoen said most problems occur with people who do not live along the border, tourists or visitors who live in other parts of the country. He said these people aren't as familiar with the rules and regulations.

One of the most common problems that people can avoid at the border, according to Shoen, is when they do not take advantage of the duty free items.

"They are entitled to more then they know," Shoen said.

He said sometimes people try to hide items they don't need to hide. If they are caught, this is a violation of a federal law.

"We don't like to see that," Shoen said

He said people can avoid harsh penalties if they just declare items that they purchased.'

With the border becoming quite liberal in recent years, Shoen can't see why people wouldn't want to take advantage of the North American Free Trade Act.

"I can't see a reason not to declare," Shoen said.

Like many lave enforcement officers, Customs Inspectors can also be labeled as bad guys at times.

Sometimes they are seen as the interrogators, enforcers, or "thugs," according to Shoen.

He says the cued inspectors are not there to interrogate people, but to make their trip across the border as smooth as possible. He said it is their job to enforce the law.

Before going to Canada; Shoen encourages people to call the customs office with any questions they might have.

He said his office is always. there to answer any questions.

He would rather have people call before hand, rather than panic once they decide to cross the border.