Title 19, Customs DutiesRelease 119-110
§2093 Forfeiture of Unlawful Imports
Title 19 › CHAPTER 11 — IMPORTATION OF PRE-COLUMBIAN MONUMENTAL OR ARCHITECTURAL SCULPTURE OR MURALS › § 2093
Summary
Pre-Columbian monumental or architectural sculptures and murals brought into the United States illegally may be seized and forfeited by customs. If forfeited, they will first be offered back to the country of origin if that country pays return costs and meets any conditions the Secretary sets; if not, they are handled like other goods taken for customs violations.
Full Legal Text
Title 19, §2093
Customs Duties, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Seizure
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)Disposition of articles
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
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110