19 U.S.C. § 1455 : US Code - Section 1455: Boarding and discharging inspectors

Search 19 U.S.C. § 1455 : US Code - Section 1455: Boarding and discharging inspectors

The appropriate customs officer for the district in which any
vessel or vehicle arrives from a foreign port or place may put on
board of such vessel or vehicle while within such district, and if
necessary while going from one district to another, one or more
inspectors or other customs officers to examine the cargo and
contents of such vessel or vehicle and superintend the unlading
thereof, and to perform such other duties as may be required by law
or the customs regulations for the protection of the revenue. Such
inspector or other customs officer may, if he shall deem the same
necessary for the protection of the revenue, secure the hatches or
other communications or outlets of such vessel or vehicle with
customs seals or other proper fastenings while such vessel is not
in the act of unlading and such fastenings shall not be removed
without permission of the inspector or other customs officer. Such
inspector or other customs officer may require any vessel or
vehicle to discontinue or suspend unlading during the continuance
of unfavorable weather or any conditions rendering the discharge of
cargo dangerous or detrimental to the revenue. Any officer, owner,
agent of the owner, or member of the crew of any such vessel who
obstructs or hinders any such inspector or other customs officer in
the performance of his duties, shall be liable to a penalty of not
more than $500.