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§ 8307. Inspections, seizures, and warrants

Version history — every release point where this text changed

Release point 119-83 · current through 04/13/2026

§ 8307.

Inspections, seizures, and warrants

(a)

Guidelines

The activities authorized by this section shall be carried out consistent with guidelines approved by the Attorney General.

(b)

Warrantless inspections

The Secretary may stop and inspect, without a warrant, any person or means of conveyance moving—

(1)

into the United States, to determine whether the person or means of conveyance is carrying any animal or article regulated under this chapter;

(2)

in interstate commerce, on probable cause to believe that the person or means of conveyance is carrying any animal or article regulated under this chapter; or

(3)

in intrastate commerce from any State, or any portion of a State, quarantined under section 8306(b) of this title, on probable cause to believe that the person or means of conveyance is carrying any animal or article quarantined under section 8306(b) of this title.

(c)

Inspections with warrants

(1)

In general

The Secretary may enter, with a warrant, any premises in the United States for the purpose of making inspections and seizures under this chapter.

(2)

Application and issuance of warrants

(A)
In general

On proper oath or affirmation showing probable cause to believe that there is on certain premises any animal, article, facility, or means of conveyance regulated under this chapter, a United States judge, a judge of a court of record in the United States, or a United States magistrate judge may issue a warrant for the entry on premises within the jurisdiction of the judge or magistrate to make any inspection or seizure under this chapter.

(B)
Execution

The warrant may be applied for and executed by the Secretary or any United States marshal.

Source(Pub. L. 107–171, title X, § 10408,
May 13, 2002
, 116 Stat. 500.)
Notes

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), was in the original “this subtitle”, meaning subtitle E (§§ 10401–10418) of title X of Pub. L. 107–171,
May 13, 2002
, 116 Stat. 494, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of subtitle E to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 8301 of this title and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of the Secretary of Agriculture relating to agricultural import and entry inspection activities under this chapter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 231, 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
November 25, 2002
, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Preclearance Quarantine Inspections

Pub. L. 107–171, title X, § 10811,
May 13, 2002
, 116 Stat. 531, provided that:
“(a)

Preclearance Inspections Required.—

The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, shall conduct preclearance quarantine inspections of persons, baggage, cargo, and any other articles destined for movement from the State of Hawaii to any of the following—

“(1)

The continental United States.

“(2)

Guam.

“(3)

Puerto Rico.

“(4)

The United States Virgin Islands.

“(b)

Inspection Locations.—

The preclearance quarantine inspections required by subsection (a) shall be conducted at all direct departure and interline airports in the State of Hawaii.

“(c)

Limitation.—

The Secretary shall not implement this section unless appropriations for necessary expenses of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for inspection, quarantine, and regulatory activities are increased by an amount not less than $3,000,000 in an Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2003.”

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