Internal Control Weaknesses in Customs Revenue Collection Process

GAO discussed the Customs Service's internal controls to account for revenues it collects on imported merchandise. GAO identified serious problems in the Customs' internal controls over revenue collection and deposits, including Customs' failure to: (1) timely detect the theft of about $4.2 million in revenues until 2 months after the initial theft; (2) timely research and identify the missing deposits; (3) verify bank deposits and reconcile them with its Automated Commercial System; or (4) correct identified internal control deficiencies.