[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 19, Volume 2]

[Revised as of April 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 19CFR148.21]



[Page 141]

 

                        TITLE 19--CUSTOMS DUTIES

 

   CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF 

        HOMELAND SECURITY; DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED)

 

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]