A professional who examines, classifies, and appraises imported merchandise according to federal revenue laws, in order to enforce regulations of U.S. Customs Service. Responsibilities include:

• Examines and appraises merchandise and accompanying documentation according to import requirements, considering legal restrictions, country of origin, import quotas, and current market values.
• Requests laboratory testing and analyses of merchandise as needed.
• Determines duty and taxes to be paid on imported merchandise, considering its classification and value.
• Interviews importers and examines their records to verify integrity of invoices.
• Determines and reports evidence of intent to defraud and violations of trademark, copyright, and marking laws.
• Notifies other governmental agencies responsible for particular import inspection, or when apparent import violations concern other agency regulations.
• Issues or denies permits to release imported merchandise for delivery, depending on importer's meeting legal requirements.
• Appraises seized and unclaimed merchandise to be sold at public auction.
• Assists federal attorneys in preparation and trial of cases in customs court by supplying technical information and advice, securing qualified witnesses and evidence, and appearing as a government witness.
• May plan, coordinate, and evaluate work of import inspection team.
• May defend appraisal of merchandise during court appeals by importers.