19 U.S.C. § 2606 — Import restrictions

(a) Documentation of lawful exportation No designated archaeological or ethnological material that is exported (whether or not that exportation is to the United States) from the State Party after the designation of that material under section 2604 of this title may be imported into the United States unless the State Party issues a certification or other documentation which certifies that that exportation was not in violation of the laws of the State Party. (b) Customs action in absence of documentation If the consignee of any designated archaeological or ethnological material is unable to present to the customs officer concerned at the time of making entry of that material— (1) the certificate or other documentation of the State Party required under subsection (a); or (2) satisfactory evidence that that material was exported from the State Party— (A) at least ten years before the date of that entry and that neither the person for whose account the material is imported (or any related person) contracted for or acquired an interest, directly or indirectly, in that material more than one year before that date of entry, or (B) on or before the date on which that material was designated under section 2604 of this title, the customs officer concerned must refuse to release the material from customs custody and send it to a bonded warehouse or store to be held at the risk and expense of the consignee, notwithstanding any other provision of law, until that documentation or evidence is filed with that officer. If that documentation or evidence is not presented within ninety days after the date on which that material is refused release from customs custody, or that longer period as may be allowed by the Secretary for good cause shown, the material must be subject to seizure and forfeiture. The presentation of that documentation or evidence must not bar subsequent action under section 2609 of this title. (c) “Satisfactory evidence” defined The term “satisfactory evidence” means— (1) for purposes of subsection (b)(2)(A)— (A) one or more declarations under oath by the importer, or the person for whose account the material is imported, stating that, to the best of his knowledge— (i) the material was exported from the State Party at least ten years before the date of entry into the United States, and (ii) neither that importer or person (or any related person) contracted for or acquired an interest, directly or indirectly, in that material more than one year before the date of entry of the material; and (B) a statement provided by the consignor, or person who sold the material to the importer, which states the date, or, if not known, his belief, that the material was exported from the State Party at least ten years before the date of entry into the United States, and the reasons on which the statement is based; and (2) for purposes of subsection (b)(2)(B)— (A) one or more declarations under oath by the importer or the person for whose account the material is to be imported, stating that, to the best of his knowledge, the material was exported from the State Party on or before the date that material was designated under section 2604 of this title, and (B) a statement by the consignor or person who sold the material to the importer which states the date, or if not known, his belief, that the material was exported from the State Party on or before the date that material was designated under section 2604 of this title, and the reasons on which the statement is based. (d) Related persons For purposes of subsections (b) and (c), a person must be treated as a related person to an importer, or to a person for whose account material is imported, if that person— (1) is a member of the same family as the importer or person of account, including, but not limited to, membership as a brother or sister (whether by whole or half blood), spouse, ancestor, or lineal descendant; (2) is a partner or associate with the importer or person of account in any partnership, association, or other venture; or (3) is a corporation or other legal entity in which the importer or person of account directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds power to vote 20 percent or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares in the entity.