Code of Federal Regulations · Section
§ 162.3 — Boarding And Search Of Vessels
19 C.F.R. § 162.3
(a) General authority. A Customs officer, for the purpose of examining the manifest and other documents and papers and examining, inspecting and searching the vessel, may at any time go on board:
(1) Any vessel at any place in the United States or within the Customs waters of the United States;
(2) Any American vessel on the high seas;
(3) Any vessel within a Customs-enforcement area designated such under the provisions of the Anti-Smuggling Act (Act of August 5, 1935, as amended, 49 Stat. 517; 19 U.S.C. 1701, 1703 through 1711), but Customs officers shall not board a foreign vessel upon the high seas in contravention of any treaty with a foreign government, or in the absence of a special arrangement with the foreign government concerned.
(b) Search of army or navy vessel. If the port director or special agent in charge believes that sufficient grounds exist to justify a search of any army or navy vessel, the facts shall be reported to the commanding officer or master of the vessel with a request that he cause a full search to be made, and advise the port director or special agent in charge of the result of such search. If, after the cargo has been discharged, passengers and their baggage landed, and the baggage of officers and crewmembers examined and passed, the port director or special agent in charge believes that sufficient grounds exist to justify the continuance of Customs supervision of the vessel, the commanding officer or master of the vessel shall be advised accordingly.
(c) Assistance of other agencies. Customs officers are authorized to assist any other agency in the enforcement of United States laws on any vessel.
Authorizing Statute
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Customs-enforcement area19 U.S.C. § 1701
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General rules for civil forfeiture proceedings18 U.S.C. § 983
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Bringing in and harboring certain aliens8 U.S.C. § 1324
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Reporting requirements for individuals19 U.S.C. § 1459
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Seizure; appraisement19 U.S.C. § 1606
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Definitions6 U.S.C. § 101
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Seizing and detaining letters39 U.S.C. § 604
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Aiding unlawful importation19 U.S.C. § 1595a
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Disposition and release of seized property26 U.S.C. § 5688
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Forfeitures21 U.S.C. § 881
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Smuggling goods into foreign countries18 U.S.C. § 546
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Seizure; warrants and reports19 U.S.C. § 1603
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Falsity or lack of manifest; penalties19 U.S.C. § 1584
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Search of vehicles and persons19 U.S.C. § 482
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Prohibited acts A21 U.S.C. § 960
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Departmental regulations5 U.S.C. § 301
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Importation of controlled substances21 U.S.C. § 952
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Rules and forms prescribed by Secretary19 U.S.C. § 66
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Release of seized property19 U.S.C. § 1614
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Seizure; summary forfeiture and sale19 U.S.C. § 1609
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Boarding vessels19 U.S.C. § 1581
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Manifests19 U.S.C. § 1431
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Seizure; sale unlawful19 U.S.C. § 1611
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Seizure; claims; judicial condemnation19 U.S.C. § 1608