[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 19, Volume 2]
[Revised as of April 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 19CFR145.54]

[Page 87]
 
                        TITLE 19--CUSTOMS DUTIES
 
  CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
 
PART 145--MAIL IMPORTATIONS--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart E--Restricted and Prohibited Merchandise
 
Sec. 145.54  Alcoholic beverages.

    (a) Nonmailable. Alcoholic beverages are nonmailable, with certain 
exceptions (see 18 U.S.C. 1716 and the postal regulations), and when 
imported in the mails are subject to seizure and forfeiture under 18 
U.S.C. 545.
    (b) Seizure. When alcoholic beverages are received in the mails, 
they shall be seized, and the addressee shall be advised that they are 
subject to forfeiture and that he has a right to file a petition for 
their release (see part 171 of this chapter).
    (c) Conditions for release. If the port director is satisfied that 
there was no fraudulent intent involved, he may release the alcoholic 
beverages to the addressee upon the following conditions:
    (1) Applicable duty and internal revenue tax shall be paid.
    (2) The addressee shall comply with the alcoholic beverage laws of 
the State to which the shipment is destined.
    (3) Any other conditions the port director may impose under his 
authority to remit or mitigate fines, penalties, and forfeitures shall 
be complied with.
    (4) The addressee, his representative, or a common carrier shall 
pick up the merchandise at the Customs office where it is being held. 
Since the merchandise is nonmailable, it cannot be delivered by the 
Postal Service.