Legal Definitions - surveyor of the port

The surveyor of the port was a historical U.S. government position within the customs service, which was abolished in 1953. This officer was appointed to each principal port of entry and held significant responsibility for overseeing the inspection and valuation of all goods imported into the United States. Their primary role was to ensure that incoming merchandise was accurately assessed for customs duties, thereby safeguarding government revenue.

• Imagine a large steamship arriving in New Orleans in 1910, carrying a diverse cargo of coffee beans, sugar, and exotic fruits from Central America. The surveyor of the port would have been responsible for directing the customs inspectors who physically examined these goods. They would ensure that the quantity, quality, and declared value of each item were accurately recorded and assessed, guaranteeing that the correct import tariffs were calculated and collected before the goods could enter the U.S. market. This illustrates the surveyor's direct oversight of the inspection and valuation process for incoming shipments.

• In 1938, a manufacturing company importing specialized industrial machinery through the port of Baltimore might have faced a dispute with customs officials regarding the declared value of their equipment. In such a scenario, the surveyor of the port would have stepped in to supervise a re-evaluation or mediate the disagreement. Their authority ensured that the valuation was fair, consistent with regulations, and ultimately resolved the issue, preventing either underpayment or overpayment of duties. This highlights their role in resolving valuation conflicts and upholding customs integrity.

• Consider the busy port of San Francisco in 1947, handling a constant stream of goods from across the Pacific. The surveyor of the port would have managed the entire customs inspection department, allocating resources, scheduling inspections, and reviewing reports from their staff. Their administrative duties ensured that all imported items, from consumer goods to raw materials, were processed efficiently and in full compliance with U.S. customs laws, maintaining the smooth flow of trade while protecting national revenue. This demonstrates their broader supervisory and administrative responsibilities within the port's customs operations.