(a) Value exceeding $100,000. Any offer to pay the appraised domestic value of seized property in order to obtain the immediate release of the property which was seized under the Customs laws or laws administered by Customs and exceeding $100,000 in appraised domestic value, or which was seized under the navigation laws, shall be in writing, addressed to the Commissioner of Customs, and signed by the claimant or his attorney. It shall be submitted in duplicate to the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer having jurisdiction at the port where the property was seized. Proof of ownership shall be submitted with the application if the facts in the case make such action necessary.

(b) Value not over $100,000—(1) Authority to accept offer. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer is authorized to accept a written offer pursuant to section 614, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1614), to pay the appraised domestic value of property seized under the Customs laws and to release such property if:

(i) The appraised domestic value of the seized property does not exceed $100,000.

(ii) The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer is satisfied that the claimant has, in fact, a substantial interest in the property; and

(iii) Entry of the seized property into the commerce of the United States is not prohibited by law.

(2) Referral of offer. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer shall refer to the Commissioner of Customs any offer where it appears that the claimant does not have a substantial interest in the seized property or where it appears it would not be in the best interest of the United States to accept.

(c) Retention of property. The Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Officer shall retain custody of the property pending payment of the amount of the offer when the application is approved.