19 USC 1308 - Prohibition on importation of dog and cat fur products

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 1308.

Prohibition on importation of dog and cat fur products

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Cat fur

(2)

Interstate commerce

(3)

Customs laws

(4)

Designated authority

(5)

Dog fur

(6)

Dog or cat fur product

(7)

Person

(8)

United States

(b)

Prohibitions

(1)

In general

It shall be unlawful for any person to—

(A)

import into, or export from, the United States any dog or cat fur product; or

(B)

introduce into interstate commerce, manufacture for introduction into interstate commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in interstate commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in interstate commerce in the United States, any dog or cat fur product.

(2)

Exception

(c)

Penalties and enforcement

(1)

Civil penalties

(A)

In general

Any person who violates any provision of this section or any regulation issued under this section may, in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty that may be imposed under title 18 or any other provision of law, be assessed a civil penalty by the designated authority of not more than—

(i)

$10,000 for each separate knowing and intentional violation;

(ii)

$5,000 for each separate grossly negligent violation; or

(iii)

$3,000 for each separate negligent violation.

(B)

Debarment

(C)

Factors in assessing penalties

(D)

Notice

(2)

Forfeiture

(3)

Enforcement

(4)

Regulations

(5)

Reward

(6)

Affirmative defense

Any person accused of a violation under this section has a defense to any proceeding brought under this section on account of such violation if that person establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the person exercised reasonable care—

(A)

in determining the nature of the products alleged to have resulted in such violation; and

(B)

in ensuring that the products were accompanied by documentation, packaging, and labeling that were accurate as to the nature of the products.

(7)

Coordination with other laws

(d)

Publication of names of certain violators

(June 17, 1930, ch. 497, title III, § 308, as added Pub. L. 106–476, title I, § 1443(a), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2164; amended Pub. L. 113–188, title X, § 1001(a), Nov. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 2022.)

cite as: 19 USC 1308