US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

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[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 18USC496]

 
                 TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
 
                             PART I--CRIMES
 
                 CHAPTER 25--COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY
 
Sec. 496. Customs matters

    Whoever forges, counterfeits or falsely alters any writing made or 
required to be made in connection with the entry or withdrawal of 
imports or collection of customs duties, or uses any such writing 
knowing the same to be forged, counterfeited or falsely altered, shall 
be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or 
both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 711; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII, 
Sec. 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)


                      Historical and Revision Notes

    Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Sec. 119 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 
321, Sec. 63, 35 Stat. 1100).
    Section was rewritten to apply to all customs documents or writings. 
The Treasury Department advises that certificates of entry are obsolete.
    Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
    Changes were made in phraseology.


                               Amendments

    1994--Pub. L. 103-322 substituted ``fined under this title'' for 
``fined not more than $10,000''.