Code of Federal Regulations · Section
§ 162.75 — Seizures Limited Under Section 592, Tariff Act Of 1930, As Amended
19 C.F.R. § 162.75
(a) When authorized. Merchandise may be seized for violation of section 592, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1592) only if the port director has reasonable cause to believe that a person has violated the statute and that
(1) The person is insolvent,
(2) The person is beyond the jurisdiction of the United States,
(3) Seizure otherwise is essential to protect the revenue, or
(4) Seizure is essential to prevent the introduction of prohibited or restricted merchandise into the Customs territory of the United States.
(b) No seizure if prior disclosure. Under no circumstances shall merchandise be seized under the authority of 19 U.S.C. 1592 if there has been a prior disclosure of the violation. This paragraph does not limit seizures under the authority of any other applicable law or regulation.
(c) Seizure notice. If merchandise is seized, the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer shall promptly issue a written notice of seizure to the person concerned and to any other person the facts of record indicate has an interest in the merchandise. The seizure notice shall contain the information required by § 162.31 and shall state why the seizure was necessary.
(d) Release of seized merchandise—(1) To person from whom seized. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer shall return seized mechandise to the person from whom seized upon the deposit of security, in a form acceptable to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer, equal to the maximum penalty which may be assessed, if the entry of the merchandise into the commerce of the United States is not prohibited or restricted.
(2) To others. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer may release seized merchandise to any other person upon the deposit of adequate security, in a form acceptable to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer, if the entry of the merchandise into the commerce of the United States is not prohibited or restricted, and if:
(i) The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer is satisfied that the person has a substantial interest in the merchandise, and
(ii) The person submits either an agreement to hold the United States and its officers and employees harmless, or a release from the owner and/or the person from whom the merchandise was seized.
(3) Forfeiture. If neither a petition for relief is filed in accordance with part 171 of this chapter, nor compliance made with the decision within the time provided by law, the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer immediately shall report the facts and refer the case to the Department of Justice for the institution of court proceedings.
Authorizing Statute
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Penalties for fraud, gross negligence, and negligence19 U.S.C. § 1592
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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