Customs procedure 1530-1840

Abstract

The collection of revenue has always been one of the most important functions of government. The Maltese Customs Department ranks as one of the oldest institutions in the history of the civil administration of our Island. Since this Department has always been directly concerned with and, indeed, controlled to some extent, the increase or decrease of trade and commerce, its history reflects the economic development of Malta. The building which is at present the principal seat of of Customs authority was erected during the latter part of the Order's rule and since then this Department has never been transferred to any other premises, despite the numerous changes that have taken place in its staff, administration and routine. It is, in fact, the only Government Department which, since the days of the Order, has been housed in the building purposely built by the Knights. Before tackling the subject proper of this essay, it would be worthwhile to give a few interesting facts about the Customs and Port administration in Malta prior to the coming of the Order. In the early fifteenth century the taxes levied in Malta were almost all of an excise nature, subject to a periodical door to door collection, besides other burdens imposed directly or indirectly by feudal lords upon the population of these Islands. There was, however, no fixed tariff and the rate of taxation often depended upon the whims of the Lord. In 1425 we hear of Malta being placed in the hands of Don Gonsalvo Monroy who reduced the population to utter misery by his extortions. The Maltese rose against him and as a reprisal the skippers of Maltese vessels in the port were arrested and the sails, together with all the other gear necessary for navigation, were seized and removed to the Castello a Mare, at the Borgo, which was the ultimate refuge of Monroy. This move may well have brought about the establishment at the Borgo of what may be termed the first Custom House [...].