Which national departments are responsible for controlling items entering and leaving a country?

The national departments responsible for controlling items entering and leaving a country are primarily known as Customs. This agency plays a critical role in monitoring and regulating the flow of goods and merchandise across borders, ensuring compliance with national laws related to trade and commerce. Customs authorities assess duties, enforce import/export regulations, and prevent illegal smuggling of goods. They help facilitate legitimate trade while protecting national security and public safety.

While options like Immigration, Trade, and Commerce are related to broader aspects of national regulation and economic policy, they do not specifically focus on the control of goods entering and leaving the country. Immigration deals with the movement of people, Trade typically refers to the broader economic agreements between nations, and Commerce often involves the general aspects of business activity and economic exchanges. Thus, Customs is the designated authority for the specific task of managing and inspecting items as they cross borders.