Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73
§541 Entry of goods falsely classified
Title 18 › Part PART I— - CRIMES › Chapter CHAPTER 27— - CUSTOMS › § 541
Summary
Knowingly understating imported goods’ weight, quality, value, or the duty owed can lead to fines or up to two years in jail, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §541
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever knowingly effects any entry of goods, wares, or merchandise, at less than the true weight or measure thereof, or upon a false classification as to quality or value, or by the payment of less than the amount of duty legally due, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 126 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 69, 35 Stat. 1101). Reference to persons aiding, contained in words “or aid in effecting,” was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title. Changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 541
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73