[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: 19CFR148.21]

[Page 139]
 
                        TITLE 19--CUSTOMS DUTIES
 
  CHAPTER I--UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
 
PART 148--PERSONAL DECLARATIONS AND EXEMPTIONS--Table of Contents
 
  Subpart C--Examination of Baggage and Collection of Duties and Taxes
 
Sec. 148.21  Opening of baggage, compartments, or vehicles.


    A Customs officer has the right to open and examine all baggage, 
compartments and vehicles brought into the United States under Sections 
461, 462, 496 and 582, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1461, 
1462, 1496, and 1582) and 19 U.S.C. 482. To the extent practical, the 
owner or his agent shall be asked to open the baggage, compartment or 
vehicle first. If the owner or his agent is unavailable or refuses to 
open the baggage, compartment, or vehicle, it shall be opened by the 
Customs officer. If any article subject to duty, or any prohibited 
article is found upon opening by the Customs officer, the whole contents 
and the baggage or vehicle shall be subject to forfeiture, pursuant to 
19 U.S.C. 1462.

[T.D. 95-86, 60 FR 54188, Oct. 20, 1995]