What Is 19 CFR

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 19 CFR is Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which governs U.S. customs, import laws, and international trade. It is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and updated annually in the Federal Register.

Key Facts

19 CFR was established in 1938 under the Code of Federal Regulations system
It contains over 500 sections covering import tariffs, customs procedures, and trade enforcement
Chapter 1 is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Chapter 100 includes regulations for the Foreign Trade Zones Board
The U.S. International Trade Commission oversees parts of 19 CFR related to trade remedies

Overview

19 CFR, or Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, is the primary regulatory framework for U.S. customs and international trade law. It outlines the rules for importing goods, collecting tariffs, and enforcing trade agreements across American borders. These regulations are legally binding and derived from statutes in the U.S. Code, particularly Title 19 of the United States Code.

The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. International Trade Commission jointly enforce various parts of 19 CFR. The regulations are updated annually and published in the Federal Register, ensuring alignment with current trade policy. Businesses involved in import/export must comply with these rules to avoid penalties or shipment delays.

Chapter 1: Contains core customs procedures administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including entry requirements and bond regulations.
Chapter 9: Governs import regulations specific to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, particularly for endangered species under CITES.
Chapter 10: Covers regulations for the U.S. Customs Service in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, reflecting territorial trade nuances.
Chapter 11: Details the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) classification system, which assigns duty rates to over 10,000 product categories.
Chapter 14: Regulates special customs procedures for U.S. territories, including Guam and American Samoa, with unique entry and documentation rules.

How It Works

19 CFR provides a structured legal process for managing imports, tariffs, and trade compliance. Each chapter corresponds to a specific agency or function within the U.S. trade system, ensuring clear jurisdiction and enforcement.

Entry Filing: Importers must file entry documents within 15 days of arrival for goods over $2,500 in value, as required under 19 CFR §141.1.
Customs Bonds: A continuous bond is required for frequent importers, covering up to $100,000 per entry and $500,000 annually.
Valuation: The transaction value method under 19 CFR §152.102 is the primary way to determine the dutiable value of imported goods.
Country of Origin: Marking rules in 19 CFR §134 require most imported goods to display the country of manufacture clearly on the package.
Anti-Dumping Duties: The Department of Commerce uses 19 CFR §351 to impose duties on imports sold below fair market value, such as Chinese steel products.
Foreign Trade Zones: Operators must follow 19 CFR Part 146, which allows duty deferral on goods processed in designated FTZs before entry into U.S. commerce.

Comparison at a Glance

Key differences between 19 CFR and related regulatory frameworks are summarized below:

Regulation	Administering Agency	Scope	Key Provisions
19 CFR	U.S. Customs and Border Protection	Customs procedures, tariffs, import compliance	Over 500 sections covering entry, valuation, classification
15 CFR	Bureau of Industry and Security	Export controls, dual-use items	Regulates EAR (Export Administration Regulations)
21 CFR	Food and Drug Administration	Food, drugs, cosmetics	Applies to imported FDA-regulated products
40 CFR	Environmental Protection Agency	Environmental standards	Impacts imports of chemicals and vehicles
49 CFR	Department of Transportation	Hazardous materials transport	Affects import shipping of dangerous goods

While 19 CFR focuses on customs and tariffs, other regulations intersect at the border. For example, FDA rules under 21 CFR may apply alongside 19 CFR for pharmaceutical imports. This layered compliance ensures safety, security, and fair trade practices across sectors.

Why It Matters

Understanding 19 CFR is essential for businesses engaged in global trade. Non-compliance can result in fines, shipment seizures, or loss of import privileges. The regulations directly impact supply chain efficiency and international competitiveness.

Tariff Collection: The U.S. collected over $85 billion in customs duties in fiscal year 2023, primarily under authority of 19 CFR.
Trade Enforcement: 19 CFR enables enforcement of anti-dumping and countervailing duties, protecting domestic industries from unfair pricing.
CBP Inspections: Officers use 19 CFR guidelines to inspect over 30 million cargo containers annually at U.S. ports.
Legal Compliance: Violations of 19 CFR can lead to penalties up to four times the value of the imported goods.
FTZ Operations: Over 260 active Foreign Trade Zones rely on 19 CFR Part 146 for duty deferral and streamlined processing.
Global Supply Chains: Accurate HTS classification under 19 CFR prevents delays and ensures correct duty payments across international logistics networks.

As global trade evolves, 19 CFR remains a cornerstone of U.S. economic policy. Its detailed structure balances regulatory oversight with facilitation of lawful commerce, making it indispensable for importers, policymakers, and enforcement agencies alike.