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Title 19 — Customs Duties and Border EnforcementThis title governs the regulation of external trade, customs duties, inspection of goods and conveyances, and enforcement of border-related laws of the Union of Columbia. Customs authority is limited to importation and exportation and does not extend to internal commerce within the States. Chapters
Chapter 1 — General Provisions§ 1901. Purpose and scope
(a) This title establishes a uniform customs system for the regulation of goods entering or leaving the Union of Columbia.
(b) Customs authority is exercised solely at external borders and ports of entry.
(c) Nothing in this title authorizes general economic regulation, price control, or internal trade supervision.
§ 1902. Definitions
(a) “Customs officer” means an authorized federal officer assigned to customs enforcement.
(b) “Importer” means any person or entity responsible for presenting goods for entry.
(c) “Entry” means the lawful presentation and release of goods.
(d) “Contraband” means goods prohibited or restricted by federal law.
Chapter 3 — Customs Authority and Officers§ 1931. Authority of customs officers
(a) Customs officers may inspect goods, documents, and conveyances at ports of entry.
(b) Officers may detain goods pending classification, valuation, or security review.
(c) Officers may seize goods imported contrary to law.
(d) Authority under this section does not extend to general policing beyond the border context.
§ 1932. Use of force and detention
(a) Force may be used only as reasonably necessary to ensure compliance or safety.
(b) Persons may be temporarily detained for identity verification or enforcement referral.
(c) Extended detention requires referral under Title 18 procedures.
Chapter 5 — Entry, Clearance, and Documentation§ 1951. Entry requirements
(a) All imported goods must be declared at a designated port of entry.
(b) Declarations must accurately state nature, quantity, value, and origin.
(c) False or misleading declarations constitute a violation under Chapter 13.
§ 1952. Clearance and release
(a) Goods may be released upon satisfaction of duty and inspection requirements.
(b) Conditional release may be granted pending final determination.
(c) Release does not bar later enforcement if violations are discovered.
Chapter 7 — Duties, Valuation, and Classification§ 1971. Assessment of duties
(a) Duties shall be imposed pursuant to published federal schedules.
(b) Rates shall be uniform and non-discriminatory.
(c) Exemptions may be granted for government use, relief supplies, or diplomatic shipments.
§ 1972. Valuation disputes
(a) Importers may contest valuation determinations.
(b) Disputes are resolved administratively.
(c) Fraudulent undervaluation triggers penalties under Chapter 13.
Chapter 11 — Prohibited and Restricted Merchandise§ 19101. Prohibited goods
(a) Goods prohibited by national security, treaty, or public safety grounds shall be denied entry.
(b) Such goods are subject to seizure and forfeiture.
§ 19102. Restricted goods
(a) Certain goods may require licenses or permits.
(b) Failure to obtain required authorization constitutes a violation.
Chapter 13 — Violations, Penalties, and Forfeiture§ 19131. Customs violations
(a) Smuggling, concealment, and evasion of inspection are prohibited.
(b) Knowingly assisting such acts constitutes a violation.
§ 19132. Penalties and forfeiture
(a) Violations may result in fines, seizure, or forfeiture.
(b) Serious violations shall be referred under Title 18.
Chapter 15 — Administrative Review and Appeals§ 19151. Review of determinations
(a) Importers may request administrative review of decisions.
(b) Review shall be conducted by an officer not involved in the original action.
§ 19152. Finality
(a) Administrative decisions constitute final federal action.
(b) Further relief may be sought through state courts where applicable.
Chapter 17 — Federal–State Coordination§ 19171. Coordination with States
(a) Customs officers shall coordinate with State authorities when enforcement extends beyond ports of entry.
(b) States retain authority over internal commerce once goods are lawfully entered.
This title implements a limited customs regime consistent with the confederal structure of the Union of Columbia. |