Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§496 Customs matters
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 25— - COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY › § 496
Summary
Making or using fake or changed papers tied to bringing in or taking out imported goods or to collecting customs taxes is a crime, and a person who does this can be fined under federal law, jailed for up to three years, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §496
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever forges, counterfeits or falsely alters any writing made or required to be made in connection with the entry or withdrawal of imports or collection of customs duties, or uses any such writing knowing the same to be forged, counterfeited or falsely altered, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 119 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 63, 35 Stat. 1100). Section was rewritten to apply to all customs documents or writings. The Treasury Department advises that certificates of entry are obsolete. Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. Changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 496
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73