(a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the Center director shall review and act on a protest filed in accordance with section 514, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1514), within 2 years from the date the protest was filed. If several timely filed protests are treated as part of a single protest pursuant to §174.15, the 2-year period shall be deemed to run from the date the last such protest was filed in accordance with section 514, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1514).

(b) Protests relating to exclusion of merchandise. If the protest relates to an administrative action involving exclusion of merchandise from entry or delivery under any provision of the Customs laws, the Center director shall review and act on a protest filed in accordance with section 514(a)(4), Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1514(a)(4)), within 30 days from the date the protest was filed. Any protest filed pursuant to this paragraph shall clearly so state on its face. Any protest filed pursuant to this paragraph which is not allowed or denied in whole or in part before the 30th day after the day on which the protest was filed shall be treated as having been denied on such 30th day for purposes of 28 U.S.C. 1581.

[T.D. 74-37, 39 FR 2470, Jan. 22, 1974, as amended by T.D. 99-65, 64 FR 43612, Aug. 11, 1999]