§ 1491.
Unclaimed merchandise; disposition of forfeited distilled spirits, wines and malt liquor
(a)
Appraisal and sale of unclaimed merchandise
(b)
Notice of title vesting in United States
At the end of the 6-month period referred to in subsection (a), the Customs Service may, in lieu of sale of the merchandise, provide notice to all known interested parties that the title to such merchandise shall be considered to vest in the United States free and clear of any liens or encumbrances, on the 30th day after the date of the notice unless, before such 30th day—
(1)
the subject merchandise is entered or withdrawn for consumption; and
(2)
payment is made of all duties, taxes, fees, transfer and storage charges, and other expenses that may have accrued thereon.
(c)
Retention, transfer, destruction, or other disposition
(e)
Appraisal and sale or other disposition of forfeited distilled spirits, wines, and malt liquor
All distilled spirits, wines, and malt liquor forfeited to the Government summarily or by order of court, under any provision of law administered by the United States Customs Service, shall be appraised and disposed of by—
(1)
delivery to such Government agencies, as in the opinion of the Secretary have a need for such distilled spirits, wines, and malt liquor for medical, scientific, or mechanical purposes, or for any other official purpose for which appropriated funds may be expended by a Government agency:
(2)
gifts to such eleemosynary institutions as, in the opinion of the Secretary, have a need for such distilled spirits, wines, and malt liquor for medical purposes;
(3)
sale by Customs Service at public auction under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, except that before making any such sale the Secretary shall determine that no Government agency or eleemosynary institution has established a need for such spirits, wines, and malt liquor under paragraph (1) or (2); or
([June 17, 1930, ch. 497], title IV, § 491, [46 Stat. 726]; [June 25, 1938, ch. 679, § 14], [52 Stat. 1083]; [Pub. L. 91–271, title III, § 301(j)], June 2, 1970, [84 Stat. 289]; [Pub. L. 95–410, title II, § 208], Oct. 3, 1978, [92 Stat. 901]; [Pub. L. 103–182, title VI, § 659], Dec. 8, 1993, [107 Stat. 2213]; [Pub. L. 104–295, § 21(e)(8)], Oct. 11, 1996, [110 Stat. 3531].)