Us Code § 5305a - Prohibition on sale, importation, or exportation of products labeled or advertised as rhinoceros or tiger products

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5305a — Prohibition on sale, importation, or exportation of products labeled or advertised as rhinoceros or tiger products, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5305a. Prohibition on sale, importation, or exportation of products labeled or advertised as rhinoceros or tiger products

(a) Prohibition

A person shall not sell, import, or export, or attempt to sell, import, or export, any product, item, or substance intended for human consumption or application containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, any substance derived from any species of rhinoceros or tiger.

(b) Penalties

(1) Criminal penalty

A person engaged in business as an importer, exporter, or distributor that knowingly violates subsection (a) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.

(2) Civil penalties

(A) In general

A person that knowingly violates subsection (a), and a person engaged in business as an importer, exporter, or distributor that violates subsection (a), may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $12,000 for each violation.

(B) Manner of assessment and collection

A civil penalty under this paragraph shall be assessed, and may be collected, in the manner in which a civil penalty under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 [16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.] may be assessed and collected under section 11(a) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1540(a)).

(c) Products, items, and substances

Any product, item, or substance sold, imported, or exported, or attempted to be sold, imported, or exported, in violation of this section or any regulation issued under this section shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture to the United States.

(d) Regulations

After consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the United States Trade Representative, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are appropriate to carry out this section.

(e) Enforcement

The Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall enforce this section in the manner in which the Secretaries carry out enforcement activities under section 11(e) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1540(e)).

(f) Use of penalty amounts

Amounts received as penalties, fines, or forfeiture of property under this section shall be used in accordance with section 3375(d) of this title.

(Pub. L. 103–391, §7, as added Pub. L. 105–312, title IV, §405(2), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2960.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(B), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 7 of Pub. L. 103–391 was renumbered section 10 and is classified to section 5306 of this title.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 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.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 5305a is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 5305a. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5305a

What does United States Code § 5305a cover?

Section 5305a ("Prohibition on sale, importation, or exportation of products labeled or advertised as rhinoceros or tiger products") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5305a?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5305a" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5305a apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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