Title 19, Customs DutiesRelease 119-102
§469 Dealing in or Using Empty Stamped Imported Liquor Containers
Title 19 › CHAPTER 3 — THE TARIFF AND RELATED PROVISIONS › SUBTITLE IV — CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION › part 4 — transportation in bond and warehousing of merchandise › § 469
Summary
Buying or selling a cask or package that still has the imported‑liquor stamp or marks after it was used and emptied, or using or keeping such a container with fake marks to put domestic distilled spirits in for sale, has two consequences. The container and any contents will be taken by the United States, and the person must pay a $200 penalty for each such cask or package.
Full Legal Text
Title 19, §469
Customs Duties, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
If any person shall purchase or sell, with the imported-liquor stamp herein required remaining thereon, or any of the marks or brands which shall have been placed thereon in accordance with the laws or regulations concerning imported liquors remaining thereon, any cask or other package, after the same has been once used to contain imported liquors and has been emptied; or if any person shall use or have in possession such cask or package, with any imitation of such marks or brands, for the purpose of placing domestic distilled spirits therein for sale; every such cask or package, with its contents, if any, shall be forfeited to the United States. And every such person who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall be liable to a penalty of $200 for every such cask or package so purchased, sold, used, or had in possession.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
19 U.S.C. § 469
Title 19, Customs Duties
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102