---
kind: "section"
citation: "19 C.F.R. § 145.54"
title: "19"
number: "145.54"
heading: "Alcoholic beverages."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/19/145.54"
---

# §145.54. Alcoholic beverages.

- (a) **Nonmailable.** Alcoholic beverages are nonmailable, with certain exceptions (see [18 U.S.C. 1716](/usc/18/1716.md) and the postal regulations), and when imported in the mails are subject to seizure and forfeiture under [18 U.S.C. 545](/usc/18/545.md).
- (b) **Seizure.** When alcoholic beverages are received in the mails, they shall be seized, and the addressee shall be advised that they are subject to forfeiture and that he has a right to file a petition for their release (see [part 171](/cfr/19/part171.md) of this chapter).
- (c) **Conditions for release.** If the port director is satisfied that there was no fraudulent intent involved, he may release the alcoholic beverages to the addressee upon the following conditions:
  - (1) Applicable duty and internal revenue tax shall be paid.
  - (2) The addressee shall comply with the alcoholic beverage laws of the State to which the shipment is destined.
  - (3) Any other conditions the port director may impose under his authority to remit or mitigate fines, penalties, and forfeitures shall be complied with.
  - (4) The addressee, his representative, or a common carrier shall pick up the merchandise at the Customs office where it is being held. Since the merchandise is nonmailable, it cannot be delivered by the Postal Service.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1202 (General Note 3(i)), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, 1624. Section 145.4 also issued under 18 U.S.C. 545, 19 U.S.C. 1618; Section 145.11 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1481, 1485, 1498; Section 145.12 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1315, 1484, 1498; Section 145.15 is also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1623; Sections 145.22 through 145.23 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1501, 1514; Section 145.31 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1321; Section 145.32 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1321, 1498; Sections 145.35 through 145.38, 145.41, also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1498; Section 145.51 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1305; Section 145.54 also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1618; Subpart G also issued under 19 U.S.C. 1415, 1436.

### Source

Source: T.D. 73-135, 38 FR 13369, May 21, 1973, unless otherwise noted.