Title 39, Postal ServiceRelease 119-102
§606 Disposition of Seized Mail
Title 39 › PART I — GENERAL › CHAPTER 6 — PRIVATE CARRIAGE OF LETTERS › § 606
Summary
Any package seized by a Postal Service inspector, customs officer, or U.S. marshal that has a hidden letter inside must be taken by the United States. The same rules and protections used for customs seizures under revenue laws apply.
Full Legal Text
Title 39, §606
Postal Service, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Every package or parcel seized by an officer or employee of the Postal Service performing duties related to the inspection of postal matters, a customs officer, or United States marshal or his deputies, in which a letter is unlawfully concealed, shall be forfeited to the United States. The same proceedings may be used to enforce forfeitures as are authorized in respect of goods, wares, and merchandise forfeited for violation of the revenue laws. Laws for the benefit and protection of customs officers making seizures for violating revenue laws apply to officers and employees making seizures for violating the postal laws.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 71–9 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
39 U.S.C. § 606
Title 39, Postal Service
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102