Us Code § 7403 - Duties and authorities of the Secretary

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 7403 — Duties and authorities of the Secretary, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 7403. Duties and authorities of the Secretary

(a) Regulations

The Secretary may, as needed, promulgate such regulations—

(1) in accordance with section 553 of title 5;

(2) consistent with provisions of this chapter; 1 and

(3) with respect to enforcement measures, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating;


as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, to the extent that such regulations are not already promulgated.

(b) Ports of entry

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, may designate and publicize the ports to which vessels may seek entry. No port may be designated under this section that has not also been designated as a port of entry for customs reporting purposes pursuant to section 1433 of title 19 1 or that is not specified under an existing international fisheries agreement.

(c) Notification

The Secretary shall provide notification of the denial of port entry or the use of port services for a vessel under section 7404 of this title, the withdrawal of the denial of port services for a foreign vessel, the taking of enforcement action pursuant to section 7405 of this title with respect to a foreign vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel conducted pursuant to this chapter to the flag nation of the vessel and, as appropriate, to the nation of which the vessel's master is a national, relevant coastal nations, RFMOs, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and other relevant international organizations.

(d) Confirmation that fish were taken in accordance with conservation and management measures

The Secretary may request confirmation from the flag state of a foreign vessel that the fish on board a foreign vessel in a port subject to the jurisdiction of the United States were taken in accordance with applicable RFMO conservation and management measures.

(Pub. L. 114–81, title III, §304, Nov. 5, 2015, 129 Stat. 665.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was in the original "the title" and was translated as meaning "this title" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Section 1433 of title 19, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original a reference to "section 1433 of title 19, United States Code" but probably should have been a reference to section 433 of the Tariff Act of 1930, act June 17, 1930, ch. 497, which is classified to section 1433 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

1 See References in Text note below.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 7403 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. § 7403. 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.

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 7403

What does United States Code § 7403 cover?

Section 7403 ("Duties and authorities of the Secretary") 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 § 7403?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 7403" (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 § 7403 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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