CUSTOMS COLLECTOR, the official of the U.S. Treasury Department who is the head of the customs office in a port of entry. The collectors at the principal ports are named by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the major appointments are awarded to active party workers. Col lectors at minor ports are named under the civil service regula tions. At the principal ports the collector is assisted by an ap praiser, a comptroller, a surveyor and a corps of inspectors and clerks.