Buy US Customs Ensign (Large 3" x Patch

Product Information

5" wide x 3.5" tall.

The flag of the Customs Service was designed in 1799 by Secretary of the Treasury Oliver Wolcott, Jr. and consists of 16 vertical red and white stripes with a coat of arms depicted in blue on the white canton. The original design had the Customs Service seal that was an eagle with three arrows in his left talon, an olive branch in his right and surrounded by an arc of 13 stars. In 1951, this was changed to the eagle depicted on the Great Seal of the United States. Its actual name is the Revenue Ensign, as it was flown by ships of the Revenue Cutter Service, later the Coast Guard, and at customs houses.

Product Description

US Customs Ensign (Large 3" x 5") Patch — United States Customs Service Flag Embroidered Patch

The US Customs Ensign — America's oldest federal law enforcement flag.

The United States Customs Ensign patch reproduces the distinctive flag of the U.S. Customs Service — one of the oldest symbols of federal law enforcement authority in the United States. The Customs Ensign has flown over ports of entry, customs houses, and revenue cutters since the earliest days of the Republic, representing the federal government's authority to regulate international trade, collect duties, and enforce the nation's borders. This large 3" x 5" patch provides a full-size display of the historic ensign.

The U.S. Customs Service traces its origins to the fifth act of the first Congress in 1789, making it one of the oldest federal agencies in American history. Customs officers have served on the front lines of border security, trade enforcement, and counter-smuggling operations for over two centuries. The Customs Ensign was flown by revenue cutters — the armed vessels that patrolled American waters to enforce customs laws — which later evolved into the United States Coast Guard. Today, the customs mission is carried forward by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland Security, but the historic ensign remains a proud symbol of the federal law enforcement tradition that began at America's founding.

Perfect For:
U.S. Customs Service veterans, CBP officers and agents, federal law enforcement professionals, Coast Guard heritage enthusiasts, and American flag and ensign patch collectors.

US Customs Ensign. America's oldest law enforcement tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right backing?

If you want to swap patches on/off gear, choose hook & loop (velcro). If you’re attaching permanently to uniforms or fabric, choose sew-on. If you want quick application on compatible fabric, choose iron-on / heat seal (when offered). Backing options are shown on the page and update based on the variant you select.

What size is this item?

Size is shown on the product page and updates with the variant you select (example: 3"). If you’re mounting on a hat or small panel, choose smaller sizes; for plate carriers and display boards, larger sizes fit better.

Are these Officially Licensed?

If the product is officially licensed, it will say “Officially Licensed” in the title and/or in the product details. If it doesn’t, it’s still a legitimate product—just not part of a licensed program.

Do you offer bulk or reruns for units/squadrons?

Yes. If you see a note like “bulk reruns available,” that means we can support group orders or reruns. If you don’t see it, contact us with the unit/squadron and quantity and we’ll confirm options.

Can you make a custom patch / name tag / lanyard / apparel?

Yes—custom solutions are available (patches, name tags, lanyards, apparel). Use the custom request page and include artwork, size, backing preference, and quantity.