Customs Waters are defined as waters shoreward from which distance relative to the baseline?

Customs waters are indeed defined as the waters that extend shoreward from the baseline out to a distance of 12 nautical miles. This definition is crucial for various reasons, including the enforcement of customs laws and the regulation of trade and maritime activities within the United States and its territories.

The 12-nautical-mile limit is significant because it corresponds to the territorial sea established under international law, where a nation has sovereignty over the waters adjacent to its coast. Within these waters, the United States has jurisdiction to enforce laws related to customs, immigration, and other regulatory responsibilities.

Having this boundary serves to delineate areas where customs authorities can operate, ensuring that they can effectively monitor and control the flow of goods and people, thereby safeguarding national interests. The other distances mentioned—6 nautical miles, 24 nautical miles, and 200 nautical miles—do not align with the established definition of customs waters and are used in different contexts, such as fishing regulations or exclusive economic zones.