19 CFR §171.53
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Final administrative determination. Upon receipt of a petition filed pursuant to § 171.52, Customs shall determine first whether a final administrative determination of the case can be made within 21 days of the seizure. If such a final administrative determination is made within 21 days, no further action need be taken under this subpart.
- (b)Determination within 20 days. If no such final administrative determination is made within 21 days of the seizure, Customs shall within 20 days after the receipt of the petition make a determination as follows:
- (1)If Customs determines that the factors listed in § 171.52(c) have been established, it shall terminate the administrative proceedings and release the property from seizure, or in the case of a commercial fishing industry vessel for which a summons has been issued, but not yet answered, dismiss the summons. The property shall not be returned if it is evidence of a violation of law.
- (2)If Customs determines that the factors listed in § 171.52(c) have not been established, it shall proceed with the administrative forfeiture.