Federal · Title 39 — Postal Service

39 U.S.C. § 606: Disposition of seized mail

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Packages or parcels seized by postal or customs officers that unlawfully conceal letters are forfeited to the United States. Forfeiture procedures follow the same rules as revenue law forfeitures.

Read the full statutory text

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.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.