TREASURY DIRECTIVE 15-27

Date: February 27, 2001

Sunset Review: February 27, 2005

SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority to the Commissioner, United States Customs Service, on Seized Property

1. PURPOSE. This Directive delegates to the Commissioner, United States Customs Service, seizure, forfeiture, and other related authority for violations under its investigatory jurisdiction.

2. DELEGATION. By virtue of the authority vested in the Secretary of the Treasury and the authority delegated to the Under Secretary for Enforcement, there is hereby delegated to the Commissioner, United States Customs Service, the authority to:

a. dispose of cases involving the seizure of merchandise, arising under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. § 1497 in which the liability does not exceed $500,000;

b. dispose of cases arising under the provisions of 22 U.S.C. § 401, in which the liability does not exceed $500,000; and

c. dispose of cases, with the exception of those concerning common carriers, arising under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. § 1595a(a), 49 U.S.C. §§ 80302 and 80303, and 21 U.S.C. § 881, in which the value of the conveyance or merchandise does not exceed $500,000.

3. REDELEGATION. The authority delegated by this Directive may be redelegated in writing.

4. AUTHORITIES.

a. 19 U.S.C. §§ 1497 and 1595a(a).

b. 22 U.S.C. § 401.

c. 49 U.S.C. §§ 80302 - 80304(d).

d. 21 U.S.C. § 881.

e. Treasury Order 101-05, Reporting Relationships and Supervision of Officials, Offices and Bureaus, Delegations of Certain Authority, and Order of Succession in the Department of the Treasury.

5. SCOPE: This delegation does not authorize the Commissioner of Customs to make recommendations regarding the disposal of cases in litigation, which are under the charge of the Attorney General pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 516, 519. Authority to make recommendations regarding the disposal of cases in litigation is delegated to the Chief Counsel, United States Customs Service, or reserved to the General Counsel, Department of the Treasury, or to his or her designees, pursuant to Treasury General Counsel Order No. 10, January 19, 2001.

6. CANCELLATION. Treasury Directive 15-27, Authority of Customs Commissioner on Seized Property, dated September 29, 1986, is superseded.

7. OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST. Office of the Commissioner, United States Customs Service, Office of the Under Secretary (Enforcement).

 

/S/
James Sloan
Acting Under Secretary (Enforcement)