Title 19 — Customs DutiesRelease 119-73not60
§2093 Forfeiture of Unlawful Imports
Title 19 › Chapter 11— IMPORTATION OF PRE-COLUMBIAN MONUMENTAL OR ARCHITECTURAL SCULPTURE OR MURALS › § 2093
Summary
Large pre-Columbian sculptures, architectural pieces, or murals brought into the United States illegally will be seized and can be kept by the government under customs law. If kept, the government must first offer them back to the country of origin (that country must pay return costs and meet rules the Secretary sets); if not returned, they are handled like other items seized for customs violations.
Full Legal Text
Title 19, §2093
Customs Duties — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Any pre-Columbian monumental or architectural sculpture or mural imported into the United States in violation of this chapter shall be seized and subject to forfeiture under the customs laws.
(b)Any pre-Columbian monumental or architectural sculpture or mural which is forfeited to the United States shall—
(1)first be offered for return to the country of origin and shall be returned if that country bears all expenses incurred incident to such return and complies with such other requirements relating to the return as the Secretary shall prescribe; or
(2)if not returned to the country of origin, be disposed of in the manner prescribed by law for articles forfeited for violation of the customs laws.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
19 U.S.C. § 2093
Title 19 — Customs Duties
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60