Code of Federal Regulations · Section
§ 162.21 — Responsibility And Authority For Seizures
19 C.F.R. § 162.21
(a) Seizures by Customs officers. Property may be seized, if available, by any Customs officer who has reasonable cause to believe that any law or regulation enforced by Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been violated, by reason of which the property has become subject to seizure or forfeiture. This paragraph does not authorize seizure when seizure or forfeiture is restricted by law or regulation (see, for example, § 162.75), nor does it authorize a remedy other than seizure when seizure or forfeiture is required by law or regulation. A receipt for seized property shall be given at the time of seizure to the person from whom the property is seized.
(b) Seizure by persons other than Customs officers. The port director may adopt a seizure made by a person other than a Customs officer if such port director has reasonable cause to believe that the property is subject to forfeiture under the Customs laws.
(c) Seizure by State official. If a duly constituted State official has seized any merchandise, vessel, aircraft, vehicle, or other conveyance under provisions of the statutes of such State, such property shall not be seized by a Customs officer unless the property is voluntarily turned over to him to be proceeded against under the Federal statutes.
Authorizing Statute
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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