Legal corpus: the complete U.S. Code (59,740 sections, all 53 titles)

Ingested titles 12–51 and 54 from OLRC USLM XML @119-100 (the whole Code
now, uniform edition; Title 53 is reserved/empty). LegalText 11,221 ->
59,740; repo total 105,704 records. Deterministic (byte-identical rerun,
verified on Title 42's 8,356 sections); make check green. make
legal-us-code default now covers every title.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
Fabio
2026-07-06 10:51:44 -04:00
parent 511d65f9a0
commit 76b8ec33a7
48603 changed files with 3677193 additions and 4 deletions
File diff suppressed because one or more lines are too long
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3002"
description: "Nonmailable motor vehicle master keys"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3002"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3002"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3002"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "f72c83294b4317d15fefb005e4d6e9cea3e90a10970d498c2326c1d8fef19a23"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "647082678f0cda85966a22d54fd1a581c24c2f8232e43d11bf419e58f227b36e"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3002 - Nonmailable motor vehicle master keys
## Text
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any motor vehicle master key, any pattern, impression, or mold from which a motor vehicle master key may be made, or any advertisement for the sale of any such key, pattern, impression, or mold, is nonmailable matter and shall not be carried or delivered by mail.
(b) The Postal Service is authorized to make such exemptions from the provisions of subsection (a) of this section as it deems necessary.
(c) For the purposes of this section, “motor vehicle master key” means any key (other than the key furnished by the manufacturer with the motor vehicle, or the key furnished with a replacement lock, or any exact duplicate of such keys) designed to operate 2 or more motor vehicle ignition, door, or trunk locks of different combinations.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 746.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3002a"
description: "Nonmailability of locksmithing devices"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3002a"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3002a"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3002a"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "eb2d97f38ed2e8a2df09fc87240c14dcc2289a6695eec49164e96c22c05ad9b5"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "d39adc2ba421022f4a2c7fe42c8f1c7f39d154c0b12d82db80ba75d917007646"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3002a - Nonmailability of locksmithing devices
## Text
(a) Any locksmithing device is nonmailable mail, shall not be carried or delivered by mail, and shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs, unless such device is mailed to—
(1) a lock manufacturer or distributor;
(2) a bona fide locksmith;
(3) a bona fide repossessor; or
(4) a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
(b) For the purpose of this section, “locksmithing device” means—
(1) a device or tool (other than a key) designed to manipulate the tumblers in a lock into the unlocked position through the keyway of such lock;
(2) a device or tool (other than a key or a device or tool under paragraph (1)) designed for the unauthorized opening or bypassing of a lock or similar security device; and
(3) a device or tool designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device to duplicate such key or device.
(Added Pub. L. 100690, title VII, § 7090(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4409.)
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3003"
description: "Mail bearing a fictitious name or address"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3003"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3003"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3003"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "f4b56ccfcda49becca0dd2fbafcb36d1be4d5e87099f065625e7781fac675674"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "c7c753584e31eaef4be5af18780e2447af0e390af229c0297f6e5d7b114c7e5d"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3003 - Mail bearing a fictitious name or address
## Text
(a) Upon evidence satisfactory to the Postal Service that any person is using a fictitious, false, or assumed name, title, or address in conducting, promoting, or carrying on or assisting therein, by means of the postal services of the United States, an activity in violation of sections 1302, 1341, and 1342 of title 18, it may—
(1) withhold mail so addressed from delivery; and
(2) require the party claiming the mail to furnish proof to it of the claimants identity and right to receive the mail.
(b) The Postal Service may issue an order directing that mail, covered by subsection (a) of this section, be forwarded to a dead letter office as fictitious matter, or be returned to the sender when—
(1) the party claiming the mail fails to furnish proof of his identity and right to receive the mail; or
(2) the Postal Service determines that the mail is addressed to a fictitious, false, or assumed name, title, or address.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 746.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3004"
description: "Delivery of mail to persons not residents of the place of address"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3004"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3004"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3004"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "687c99effd9aa5ca3e85c0f5ece678b9494a16da4575e20163dd3701563120fa"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "1e611577fbbd9b3bf67e00aa0fcccf584595bae2dc98f7362d458688c9e24d96"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3004 - Delivery of mail to persons not residents of the place of address
## Text
Whenever the Postal Service determines that letters or parcels sent in the mail are addressed to places not the residence or regular business address of the person for whom they are intended, to enable the person to escape identification, the Postal Service may deliver the mail only upon identification of the person so addressed.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 747.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3005"
description: "False representations; lotteries"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3005"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3005"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3005"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "a97237d41e62488e6f91be93b3d9984a4e4aba4461b0f09550e6930f9376fc90"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "bf2c9329c7e4a485607f69296b7e505ac4188c6284a3890c9022be10534a157d"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3005 - False representations; lotteries
## Text
(a) Upon evidence satisfactory to the Postal Service that any person is engaged in conducting a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by means of false representations, including the mailing of matter which is nonmailable under section 3001(d), (h), (i), (j), or (k) of this title, or is engaged in conducting a lottery, gift enterprise, or scheme for the distribution of money or of real or personal property, by lottery, chance, or drawing of any kind, the Postal Service may issue an order which—
(1) directs the postmaster of the post office at which mail arrives, addressed to such a person or to his representative, to return such mail to the sender appropriately marked as in violation of this section, if the person, or his representative, is first notified and given reasonable opportunity to be present at the receiving post office to survey the mail before the postmaster returns the mail to the sender;
(2) forbids the payment by a postmaster to the person or his representative of any money order or postal note drawn to the order of either and provides for the return to the remitter of the sum named in the money order or postal note; and
(3) requires the person or his representative to cease and desist from engaging in any such scheme, device, lottery, or gift enterprise.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the mailing of matter which is nonmailable under such section 3001(d), (h), (i), (j), or (k) by any person shall constitute prima facie evidence that such person is engaged in conducting a scheme or device for obtaining money or property through the mail by false representations.
(b) The public advertisement by a person engaged in activities covered by subsection (a) of this section, that remittances may be made by mail to a person named in the advertisement, is prima facie evidence that the latter is the agent or representative of the advertiser for the receipt of remittances on behalf of the advertiser. The Postal Service may ascertain the existence of the agency in any other legal way satisfactory to it.
(c) As used in this section, the term “representative” includes an agent or representative acting as an individual or as a firm, bank, corporation, or association of any kind.
(d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the mailing of (1) publications containing advertisements, lists of prizes, or information concerning a lottery, which are exempt, pursuant to section 1307 of title 18 of the United States Code, from the provisions of sections 1301, 1302, 1303, and 1304 of title 18 of the United States Code, (2) tickets or other materials concerning such a lottery within that State to addresses within that State, or (3) an advertisement promoting the sale of a book or other publication, or a solicitation to purchase, or a purchase order for any such publication, if (A) such advertisement, solicitation, or purchase order is not materially false or misleading in its description of the publication; (B) such advertisement, solicitation, or purchase order contains no material misrepresentation of fact: Provided, however, That no statement quoted or derived from the publication shall constitute a misrepresentation of fact as long as such statement complies with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (C); and (C) the advertisement, solicitation, or purchase order accurately discloses the source of any statements quoted or derived from the publication. Paragraph (3) shall not be applicable to any publication, advertisement, solicitation, or purchase order which is used to sell some other product in which the publisher or author has a financial interest as part of a commercial scheme. For the purposes of this subsection, “State” means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.
(e) (1) In conducting an investigation to determine if a person is engaged in any of the activities covered by subsection (a) of this section, the Postmaster General (or any duly authorized agent of the Postmaster General) may tender, at any reasonable time and by any reasonable means, the price advertised or otherwise requested for any article or service that such person has offered to provide through the mails.
(2) A failure to provide the article or service offered after the Postmaster General or his agent has tendered the price advertised or otherwise requested in the manner described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, and any reasons for such failure, may be considered in a proceeding held under section 3007 of this title to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a violation of this section has occurred.
(3) The Postmaster General shall prescribe regulations under which any individual seeking to make a purchase on behalf of the Postal Service under this subsection from any person shall—
(A) identify himself as an employee or authorized agent of the Postal Service, as the case may be;
(B) state the nature of the conduct under investigation; and
(C) inform such person that the failure to complete the transaction may be considered in a proceeding under section 3007 of this title to determine probable cause, in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 93583, § 4, Jan. 2, 1975, 88 Stat. 1916; Pub. L. 94525, § 2, Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2478; Pub. L. 95360, Sept. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 98186, § 2, Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1315; Pub. L. 100625, § 2(c), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3205; Pub. L. 101524, § 2(b), Nov. 6, 1990, 104 Stat. 2302; Pub. L. 10271, § 2(2), July 10, 1991, 105 Stat. 330; Pub. L. 106168, title I, §§ 104, 105(b)(2)(A), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1810, 1811; Pub. L. 109435, title X, § 1010(g)(3), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3262.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109435 substituted “under section 3001(d),” for “under 3001(d),” in introductory provisions and “under such section 3001(d),” for “under such 3001(d),” in concluding provisions. 1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106168, § 104, in two places, struck out “or” after “(h),” and inserted “, (j), or (k)” after “(i)”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106168, § 105(b)(2)(A), substituted “section,” for “section and section 3006 of this title,”. 1991—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 10271 substituted “3001(d), (h), or (i)” for “section 3001(d), (f), or (g)” in two places. 1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101524 substituted “section 3001(d), (f), or (g)” for “section 3001(d)” in two places. 1988—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100625 amended cl. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (1) read as follows: “a newspaper of general circulation containing advertisements, lists of prizes, or information concerning a lottery conducted by a State acting under authority of State law, published in that State, or in an adjacent State which conducts such a lottery,”. 1983—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98186, § 2(a), added par. (3). Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98186, § 2(b), struck out “or” before “(2)”, inserted “or” before “(3)”, and inserted cl. (3) and provision relating to applicability of cl. (3). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98186, § 2(c), added subsec. (e). 1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95360 inserted provisions relating to nonmailable matter under section 3001(d) of this title. 1976—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94525 substituted “a newspaper of general circulation containing advertisements, lists of prizes, or information concerning a lottery conducted by a State acting under authority of State law, published in that State, or in an adjacent State which conducts such a lottery,” for “a newspaper of general circulation published in a State containing advertisements, lists of prizes, or information concerning a lottery conducted by that State acting under authority of State law,”. 1975—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93583 added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 106168 effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1990 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 101524 effective Nov. 6, 1990, and applicable to matter deposited for mailing and delivery on or after 180 days after Nov. 6, 1990, see section 6 of Pub. L. 101524, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1988 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 100625 effective 18 months after Nov. 7, 1988, see section 5 of Pub. L. 100625, set out as a note under section 1304 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Consumer Education Program on Schemes Involving False RepresentationsPub. L. 98186, § 4, Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1317, as amended by Pub. L. 10466, title II, § 2211(a), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 732; Pub. L. 117286, § 4(b)(68), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4350, provided that: “(a) As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1983], the Postmaster General or his designee, following consultation with representatives of the mail order industry, shall develop and carry out a program designed to provide consumer education to the public on schemes involving false representations through use of the mails, including the dissemination of information on recognizing practices commonly associated with such schemes, as well as appropriate measures which an individual may take upon receiving mail matter which the individual believes may be part of such a scheme. “(b) A summary of the activities carried out under subsection (a) shall be included in the first semiannual report submitted each year as required under section 405 of title 5, United States Code.”
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3006"
description: "Repealed. Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 105(b)(1), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1811]"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3006"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3006"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3006"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "a77aeb101e12060dd149f19474fa5d1595d469627ddbf86a1c7dc49eb90ad1ad"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "f3a8b395e5cf76c9e0259f5196299e4a3cc59f03c289721d8e22f5ab341ffa88"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3006 - Repealed. Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 105(b)(1), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1811]
## Notes
Section, Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 747, prohibited persons from obtaining or attempting to obtain remittances of money or property of any kind through the mail for an obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy, or vile thing.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of RepealRepeal effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 3001 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3007"
description: "Detention of mail for temporary periods"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3007"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3007"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3007"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "d1fddf94028b0bb57ba453d55c596102e75700b8d65c926beb7eb7c22b508dcf"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "80955b11717492a189a44e978da6e11a5e9a23ba03d705d528bddbb85c69b87c"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3007 - Detention of mail for temporary periods
## Text
(a) (1) In preparation for or during the pendency of proceedings under section 3005, the Postal Service may, under the provisions of section 409(d), apply to the district court in any district in which mail is sent or received as part of the alleged scheme, device, lottery, gift enterprise, sweepstakes, skill contest, or facsimile check or in any district in which the defendant is found, for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction under the procedural requirements of rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(2) (A) Upon a proper showing, the court shall enter an order which shall—
(i) remain in effect during the pendency of the statutory proceedings, any judicial review of such proceedings, or any action to enforce orders issued under the proceedings; and
(ii) direct the detention by the postmaster, in any and all districts, of the defendants incoming mail and outgoing mail, which is the subject of the proceedings under section 3005.
(B) A proper showing under this paragraph shall require proof of a likelihood of success on the merits of the proceedings under section 3005.
(3) Mail detained under paragraph (2) shall—
(A) be made available at the post office of mailing or delivery for examination by the defendant in the presence of a postal employee; and
(B) be delivered as addressed if such mail is not clearly shown to be the subject of proceedings under section 3005.
(4) No finding of the defendants intent to make a false representation or to conduct a lottery is required to support the issuance of an order under this section.
(b) If any order is issued under subsection (a) and the proceedings under section 3005 are concluded with the issuance of an order under that section, any judicial review of the matter shall be in the district in which the order under subsection (a) was issued.
(c) This section does not apply to mail addressed to publishers of newspapers and other periodical publications entitled to a periodical publication rate or to mail addressed to the agents of those publishers.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 105(a), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1810.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
References in TextRule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
Amendments1999—Pub. L. 106168 added subsecs. (a) and (b), struck out former subsec. (a) which provided for injunctive relief and other orders by the district court in which the defendant gets his mail, and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 106168 effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title.
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3008"
description: "Prohibition of pandering advertisements"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3008"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3008"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3008"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "8c48a7131f9a8ad47a15643fda7629e4210dc2e40c054107e11bfab4046d1787"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "d5f54cd6c6615bf0ed93cd1fc4aa8c831ddb2f8969c4475b11829f7b3eaaa738"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3008 - Prohibition of pandering advertisements
## Text
(a) Whoever for himself, or by his agents or assigns, mails or causes to be mailed any pandering advertisement which offers for sale matter which the addressee in his sole discretion believes to be erotically arousing or sexually provocative shall be subject to an order of the Postal Service to refrain from further mailings of such materials to designated addresses thereof.
(b) Upon receipt of notice from an addressee that he has received such mail matter, determined by the addressee in his sole discretion to be of the character described in subsection (a) of this section, the Postal Service shall issue an order, if requested by the addressee, to the sender thereof, directing the sender and his agents or assigns to refrain from further mailings to the named addressees.
(c) The order of the Postal Service shall expressly prohibit the sender and his agents or assigns from making any further mailings to the designated addresses, effective on the thirtieth calendar day after receipt of the order. The order shall also direct the sender and his agents or assigns to delete immediately the names of the designated addressees from all mailing lists owned or controlled by the sender or his agents or assigns and, further, shall prohibit the sender and his agents or assigns from the sale, rental, exchange, or other transaction involving mailing lists bearing the names of the designated addressees.
(d) Whenever the Postal Service believes that the sender or anyone acting on his behalf has violated or is violating the order given under this section, it shall serve upon the sender, by registered or certified mail, a complaint stating the reasons for its belief and request that any response thereto be filed in writing with the Postal Service within 15 days after the date of such service. If the Postal Service, after appropriate hearing if requested by the sender, and without a hearing if such a hearing is not requested, thereafter determines that the order given has been or is being violated, it is authorized to request the Attorney General to make application, and the Attorney General is authorized to make application, to a district court of the United States for an order directing compliance with such notice.
(e) Any district court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which any mail matter shall have been sent or received in violation of the order provided for by this section shall have jurisdiction, upon application by the Attorney General, to issue an order commanding compliance with such notice. Failure to observe such order may be punishable by the court as contempt thereof.
(f) Receipt of mail matter 30 days or more after the effective date of the order provided for by this section shall create a rebuttable presumption that such mail was sent after such effective date.
(g) Upon request of any addressee, the order of the Postal Service shall include the names of any of his minor children who have not attained their nineteenth birthday, and who reside with the addressee.
(h) The provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, relating to administrative procedure, and chapter 7, relating to judicial review, of title 5, shall not apply to any provisions of this section.
(i) For purposes of this section—
(1) mail matter, directed to a specific address covered in the order of the Postal Service, without designation of a specific addressee thereon, shall be considered as addressed to the person named in the Postal Services order; and
(2) the term “children” includes natural children, stepchildren, adopted children, and children who are wards of or in custody of the addressee or who are living with such addressee in a regular parent-child relationship.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 748.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3009"
description: "Mailing of unordered merchandise"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3009"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3009"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3009"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "854a45514bcb2d73e026b2a50826b366a1b2599e5a99c4d4dc5f6954c048315b"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "7b395cc9cbe424bf4d2cd7fb1aead659f229c97f4af92bdcc1eff016b93d2efb"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3009 - Mailing of unordered merchandise
## Text
(a) Except for (1) free samples clearly and conspicuously marked as such, and (2) merchandise mailed by a charitable organization soliciting contributions, the mailing of un­ordered merchandise or of communications prohibited by subsection (c) of this section constitutes an unfair method of competition and an unfair trade practice in violation of section 45(a)(1) of title 15.
(b) Any merchandise mailed in violation of subsection (a) of this section, or within the exceptions contained therein, may be treated as a gift by the recipient, who shall have the right to retain, use, discard, or dispose of it in any manner he sees fit without any obligation whatsoever to the sender. All such merchandise shall have attached to it a clear and conspicuous statement informing the recipient that he may treat the merchandise as a gift to him and has the right to retain, use, discard, or dispose of it in any manner he sees fit without any obligation whatsoever to the sender.
(c) No mailer of any merchandise mailed in violation of subsection (a) of this section, or within the exceptions contained therein, shall mail to any recipient of such merchandise a bill for such merchandise or any dunning communications.
(d) For the purposes of this section, “un­ordered merchandise” means merchandise mailed without the prior expressed request or consent of the recipient.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 749.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective July 1, 1971, pursuant to Resolution No. 719 of the Board of Governors. See section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3010"
description: "Mailing of sexually oriented advertisements"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3010"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3010"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3010"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "2caab5043d1c05be61902eda8ba1e42ccda3a7208558d4d402eb503137a10f88"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "d40be92204e4a62ec0b56c60b7cd9d691621f0d4573d25c57d6508fe3db26f81"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3010 - Mailing of sexually oriented advertisements
## Text
(a) Any person who mails or causes to be mailed any sexually oriented advertisement shall place on the envelope or cover thereof his name and address as the sender thereof and such mark or notice as the Postal Service may prescribe.
(b) Any person, on his own behalf or on the behalf of any of his children who has not attained the age of 19 years and who resides with him or is under his care, custody, or supervision, may file with the Postal Service a statement, in such form and manner as the Postal Service may prescribe, that he desires to receive no sexually oriented advertisements through the mails. The Postal Service shall maintain and keep current, insofar as practicable, a list of the names and addresses of such persons and shall make the list (including portions thereof or changes therein) available to any person, upon such reasonable terms and conditions as it may prescribe, including the payment of such service charge as it determines to be necessary to defray the cost of compiling and maintaining the list and making it available as provided in this sentence. No person shall mail or cause to be mailed any sexually oriented advertisement to any individual whose name and address has been on the list for more than 30 days.
(c) No person shall sell, lease, lend, exchange, or license the use of, or, except for the purpose expressly authorized by this section, use any mailing list compiled in whole or in part from the list maintained by the Postal Service pursuant to this section.
(d) “Sexually oriented advertisement” means any advertisement that depicts, in actual or simulated form, or explicitly describes, in a predominantly sexual context, human genitalia, any act of natural or unnatural sexual intercourse, any act of sadism or masochism, or any other erotic subject directly related to the foregoing. Material otherwise within the definition of this subsection shall be deemed not to constitute a sexually oriented advertisement if it constitutes only a small and insignificant part of the whole of a single catalog, book, periodical, or other work the remainder of which is not primarily devoted to sexual matters.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 749.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective first day of sixth month which begins after Aug. 12, 1970, see section 15(b) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
Invasion of Privacy by Mailing of Sexually Oriented AdvertisementsPub. L. 91375, § 14, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 786, provided that: “(a) [Congressional findings] The Congress finds—“(1) that the United States mails are being used for the indiscriminate dissemination of advertising matter so designed and so presented as to exploit sexual sensationalism for commercial gain; “(2) that such matter is profoundly shocking and offensive to many persons who receive it, unsolicited, through the mails; “(3) that such use of the mails constitutes a serious threat to the dignity and sanctity of the American home and subjects many persons to an unconscionable and unwarranted intrusion upon their fundamental personal right to privacy; “(4) that such use of the mail reduces the ability of responsible parents to protect their minor children from exposure to material which they as parents believe to be harmful to the normal and healthy ethical, mental, and social development of their children; and “(5) that the traffic in such offensive advertisements is so large that individual citizens will be helpless to protect their privacy or their families without stronger and more effective Federal controls over the mailing of such matter. “(b) [Congressional Determination of Public Policy] On the basis of such findings, the Congress determines that it is contrary to the public policy of the United States for the facilities and services of the United States Postal Service to be used for the distribution of such materials to persons who do not want their privacy invaded in this manner or to persons who wish to protect their minor children from exposure to such material.” [Provisions of section 14 of Pub. L. 91375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by the Board of Governors and published by it in the Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as an Effective Date not preceding section 101 of this title.]
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3011"
description: "Judicial enforcement"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3011"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3011"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3011"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "65f0923b3f462f584916f0515597d187278a589f9172ed00ce4da305371560f2"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "d2e8041ccf7daf1db34cd7fbce273add4c15f53286c476c868fb2e59cdaabe5e"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3011 - Judicial enforcement
## Text
(a) Whenever the Postal Service believes that any person is mailing or causing to be mailed any sexually oriented advertisement in violation of section 3010 of this title, it may request the Attorney General to commence a civil action against such person in a district court of the United States. Upon a finding by the court of a violation of that section, the court may issue an order including one or more of the following provisions as the court deems just under the circumstances:
(1) a direction to the defendant to refrain from mailing any sexually oriented advertisement to a specific addressee, to any group of addressees, or to all persons;
(2) a direction to any postmaster to whom sexually oriented advertisements originating with such defendant are tendered for transmission through the mails to refuse to accept such advertisements for mailing; or
(3) a direction to any postmaster at the office at which registered or certified letters or other letters or mail arrive, addressed to the defendant or his representative, to return the registered or certified letters or other letters or mail to the sender appropriately marked as being in response to mail in violation of section 3010 of this title, after the defendant, or his representative, has been notified and given reasonable opportunity to examine such letters or mail and to obtain delivery of mail which is clearly not connected with activity alleged to be in violation of section 3010 of this title.
(b) The statement that remittances may be made to a person named in a sexually oriented advertisement is prima facie evidence that such named person is the principal, agent, or representative of the mailer for the receipt of remittances on his behalf. The court is not precluded from ascertaining the existence of the agency on the basis of any other evidence.
(c) In preparation for, or during the pendency of, a civil action under subsection (a) of this section, a district court of the United States, upon application therefor by the Attorney General and upon a showing of probable cause to believe the statute is being violated, may enter a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction containing such terms as the court deems just, including, but not limited to, provisions enjoining the defendant from mailing any sexually oriented advertisement to any person or class of persons, directing any postmaster to refuse to accept such defendants sexually oriented advertisements for mailing, and directing the detention of the defendants incoming mail by any postmaster pending the conclusion of the judicial proceedings. Any action taken by a court under this subsection does not affect or determine any fact at issue in any other proceeding under this section.
(d) A civil action under this section may be brought in the judicial district in which the defendant resides, or has his principal place of business, or in any judicial district in which any sexually oriented advertisement mailed in violation of section 3010 has been delivered by mail according to the direction thereon.
(e) Nothing in this section or in section 3010 shall be construed as amending, preempting, limiting, modifying, or otherwise in any way affecting section 1461 or 1463 of title 18 or section 3007 or 3008 of this title.
(Pub. L. 91375, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 750; Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 105(b)(2)(B), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1811.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments1999—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106168 substituted “3007” for “3006, 3007,”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 106168 effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title.
Effective DateSection effective first day of sixth month which begins after Aug. 12, 1970, see section 15(b) of Pub. L. 91375, set out as a note preceding section 101 of this title.
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3012"
description: "Civil penalties"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3012"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3012"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3012"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "65f90fc1989be1f1f2692155185265af345aec88efa25926e23ea527558cb2f3"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "ae95642a262bd7a009e26c2eb4c511a7c789fce370784183d0834aa45a238bc6"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3012 - Civil penalties
## Text
(a) Any person—
(1) who, through the use of the mail, evades or attempts to evade the effect of an order issued under section 3005(a)(1) or 3005(a)(2) of this title;
(2) who fails to comply with an order issued under section 3005(a)(3) of this title; or
(3) who (other than a publisher described by section 3007(b) of this title) has actual knowledge of any such order, is in privity with any person described by paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, and engages in conduct to assist any such person to evade, attempt to evade, or fail to comply with any such order, as the case may be, through the use of the mail;
shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for each mailing of less than 50,000 pieces; $100,000 for each mailing of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces; with an additional $10,000 for each additional 10,000 pieces above 100,000, not to exceed $2,000,000. A separate penalty may be assessed under this subsection with respect to the conduct described in each such paragraph.
(b) (1) Whenever, on the basis of any information available to it, the Postal Service finds that any person has engaged, or is engaging, in conduct described by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a), (c), or (d), the Postal Service may, under the provisions of section 409(d) of this title, commence a civil action to enforce the civil penalties established by such subsection. Any such action shall be brought in the district court of the United States for the district in which the defendant resides or receives mail.
(2) If the district court determines that a person has engaged, or is engaging, in conduct described by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a), (c), or (d), the court shall determine the civil penalty, if any under this section, taking into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations of such subsection, and, with respect to the violator, the ability to pay the penalty, the effect of the penalty on the ability of the violator to conduct lawful business, any history of prior violations of such subsection, the degree of culpability, and such other matters as justice may require.
(c) (1) In any proceeding in which the Postal Service may issue an order under section 3005(a), the Postal Service may in lieu of that order or as part of that order assess civil penalties in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for each mailing of less than 50,000 pieces; $50,000 for each mailing of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces; with an additional $5,000 for each additional 10,000 pieces above 100,000, not to exceed $1,000,000.
(2) In any proceeding in which the Postal Service assesses penalties under this subsection the Postal Service shall determine the civil penalty taking into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations of section 3005(a), and with respect to the violator, the ability to pay the penalty, the effect of the penalty on the ability of the violator to conduct lawful business, any history of prior violations of such section, the degree of culpability and other such matters as justice may require.
(d) Any person who violates section 3001(l) shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each mailing to an individual.
(e) All penalties collected under authority of this section shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States.
(f) In any proceeding at any time under this section, the defendant shall be entitled as a defense or counterclaim to seek judicial review, if not already had, pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5, of the order issued under section 3005 of this title. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude independent judicial review otherwise available pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5 of an order issued under section 3005 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 98186, § 3(a), Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1316; amended Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 106, Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1811.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments1999—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106168, § 106(1), in concluding provisions, substituted “$50,000 for each mailing of less than 50,000 pieces; $100,000 for each mailing of 50,000 to 100,000 pieces; with an additional $10,000 for each additional 10,000 pieces above 100,000, not to exceed $2,000,000” for “$10,000 for each day that such person engages in conduct described by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection”. Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 106168, § 106(2), inserted “, (c), or (d)” after “of subsection (a)”. Subsecs. (c) to (f). Pub. L. 106168, § 106(3), (4), added subsecs. (c) and (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) and (d) as (e) and (f), respectively.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 106168 effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title.
Effective DatePub. L. 98186, § 3(b), Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1317, provided that: “Section 3012 of title 39, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section) shall apply with respect to conduct which occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 30, 1983].”
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3013"
description: "Semiannual reports on investigative activities of the Postal Service"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3013"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3013"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3013"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "a8d4e4561525932d7c71f7eb9357eb0b2672c40ede57c7ef702e92ea49baf5f0"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "fdca91838504c295e8fa9b264dcc3c7d634f108578b0a269934d116db963d16d"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3013 - Semiannual reports on investigative activities of the Postal Service
## Text
The Postmaster General shall submit semi­annual reports to the Inspector General summarizing the investigative activities of the Postal Service. One semiannual report shall be submitted for the reporting period beginning on October 1 and ending on March 31, and the other semiannual report shall be submitted for the reporting period beginning on April 1 and ending on September 30. Each such report shall be submitted within 1 month (or such shorter length of time as the Inspector General may specify) after the close of the reporting period involved and shall include with respect to such reporting period—
(1) a summary of any proceedings instituted under section 3005 of this title, and the results of those and of any other such proceedings decided, settled, or otherwise concluded during such period;
(2) the number of cases in which the authority described in section 3005(e) of this title was used;
(3) the number of applications for temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions submitted under section 3007 of this title and, of those applications, the number granted;
(4) the total amount of expenditures and obligations incurred in carrying out the investigative activities of the Postal Service;
(5) the number of cases in which the authority described in section 3016 was used, and a comprehensive statement describing how that authority was used in each of those cases; and
(6) such other information relating to the investigative activities of the Postal Service as the Inspector General may require.
The information in a report submitted under this section to the Inspector General with respect to a reporting period shall be included as part of the semiannual report prepared by the Inspector General under section 405 of title 5 for the same reporting period. Nothing in this section shall be considered to permit or require that any report by the Postmaster General under this section include any information relating to activities of the Inspector General.
(Added Pub. L. 98186, § 3(a), Nov. 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1317; amended Pub. L. 10466, title II, § 2211(b), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 733; Pub. L. 106168, title I, §§ 107(c), 110(b)(1), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1813, 1817; Pub. L. 117286, § 4(b)(69), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4350.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
Amendments2022—Pub. L. 117286 substituted “section 405 of title 5” for “section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978” in concluding provisions. 1999—Pub. L. 106168, § 110(b)(1), in introductory provisions, substituted “Inspector General” for “Board” and “1 month (or such shorter length of time as the Inspector General may specify)” for “sixty days” and substituted concluding provisions for former concluding provisions which read as follows: “Upon approval of a report submitted under the first sentence of this section, the information in such report shall be included in the next semiannual report required under section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.).” Par. (5). Pub. L. 106168, § 107(c), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (6). Par. (6). Pub. L. 106168, § 110(b)(1)(A), substituted “Inspector General” for “Board”. Pub. L. 106168, § 107(c), redesignated par. (5) as (6). 1995—Pub. L. 10466 substituted at end “the information in such report shall be included in the next semiannual report required under section 5 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)” for “the Board shall transmit such report to the Congress”.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1999 AmendmentAmendment by section 107(c) of Pub. L. 106168 effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as a note under section 3001 of this title. Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 110(b)(2), (3), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1817, provided that: “(2) Effective date.—This subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1999], and the amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to semiannual reporting periods beginning on or after such date of enactment. “(3) Savings provision.—For purposes of any semiannual reporting period preceding the first semiannual reporting period referred to in paragraph (2), the provisions of title 39, United States Code, shall continue to apply as if the amendments made by this subsection had not been enacted.”
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3014"
description: "Nonmailable plants"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3014"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3014"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3014"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "0dc7f6be3e153a8a58beda9bef2e41d8c50a379e3acaf4b2a033d30d598db26d"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "d659c2803ff9a943c71d5a904e6f5d7ab85000547efdd7ca4b376c381c4d18a9"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3014 - Nonmailable plants
## Text
(a) (1) Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture establishes a quarantine under section 8 of the Plant Quarantine Act, prohibiting the transportation by common carrier of any plant from any State or other geographic area, the Secretary shall give notice of the establishment of such quarantine to the Postal Service in writing.
(2) Upon receiving any such notice under paragraph (1), the Postal Service shall ensure that copies of such notice are prominently displayed at post offices located within each State or area covered by the quarantine, and shall take any other measures which the Postal Service considers necessary in order to inform the public both of the establishment of such quarantine and of relevant provisions of this section and sections 1716B and 1716C of title 18 in connection therewith.
(b) Any plant, the transportation of which by common carrier from any State or other area is prohibited or restricted under any quarantine referred to in subsection (a), is nonmailable matter, and may not be accepted by the Postal Service or conveyed in the mails, if the matter involved is tendered for transmission through the mails from such State or area or if such matter first enters the mails within such State or area.
(c) The Postal Service shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, prescribe rules and regulations permitting the mailing of a plant, and otherwise making subsection (b) of this section inapplicable with respect to such plant, if the method or manner of mailing such plant would be consistent with the procedures set forth in the rules and regulations prescribed under the fourth sentence of section 8 of the Plant Quarantine Act (relating to the inspection, disinfection, and certification of, and other conditions for, the delivery and shipment of plants otherwise subject to quarantine).
(d) For the purposes of this section—
(1) “Plant Quarantine Act” means the Act entitled “An Act to regulate the importation of nursery stock and other plants and plant products; to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain quarantine districts for plant diseases and insect pests; to permit and regulate the movement of fruits, plants, and vegetables therefrom, and for other purposes”, enacted August 20, 1912 11 See References in Text note below. (37 Stat. 315 et seq.); and
(2) “plant” means any class of plants, fruits, vegetables, roots, bulbs, seeds, or other plant products, any class of nursery stock (as defined by section 6 of the Plant Quarantine Act),1 and any other article or matter which is capable of carrying any dangerous plant disease or pest.
(Added Pub. L. 100574, § 1(a)(1), Oct. 31, 1988, 102 Stat. 2892.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe Act of Aug. 20, 1912, referred to in subsec. (d), is act Aug. 20, 1912, ch. 308, 37 Stat. 315, commonly known as the Plant Quarantine Act, which was classified generally to chapter 8 (§ 151 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106224, title IV, § 438(a)(1), June 20, 2000, 114 Stat. 454. Sections 6 and 8 of the Plant Quarantine Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (c), and (d)(2), were classified to sections 152 and 161, respectively, of Title 7. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DatePub. L. 100574, § 4, Oct. 31, 1988, 102 Stat. 2894, provided that: “(a) In General.—This Act and the amendments made by this Act [enacting this section and sections 1716B and 1716C of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure] shall become effective on the earlier of—“(1) the 366th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1988]; or “(2) the first date as of which all rules and regulations required to be prescribed under the amendments made by this Act have first been published in the Federal Register. [For publication of regulations, see 54 F.R. 49978, Dec. 4, 1989.] “(b) Regulations.—Nothing in this section shall prevent the United States Postal Service from taking any action which may be necessary to prepare and issue, as soon as possible after the date of the enactment of this Act, any rules and regulations which the Postal Service is required to prescribe under any of the amendments made by this Act.”
File diff suppressed because one or more lines are too long
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3016"
description: "Administrative subpoenas"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3016"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3016"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3016"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "4c58819fe1f0ac327e1c101c0416ab3ad26facac8fb6eb5940dc5714ee6bae91"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "e9a3bfd76db508802bbecc49c5d525a5ce1cfff58cf88177825fd384c59b6f6a"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3016 - Administrative subpoenas
## Text
(a) Subpoena Authority.— (1) Investigations.— (A) In general.— In any investigation conducted under section 3005(a), the Postmaster General may require by subpoena the production of any records (including books, papers, documents, and other tangible things which constitute or contain evidence) which the Postmaster General considers relevant or material to such investigation.
(B) Condition.— No subpoena shall be issued under this paragraph except in accordance with procedures, established by the Postal Service, requiring that—
(i) a specific case, with an individual or entity identified as the subject, be opened before a subpoena is requested;
(ii) appropriate supervisory and legal review of a subpoena request be performed; and
(iii) delegation of subpoena approval authority be limited to the Postal Services General Counsel or a Deputy General Counsel.
(2) Statutory proceedings.— In any statutory proceeding conducted under section 3005(a), the Judicial Officer may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of any records (including books, papers, documents, and other tangible things which constitute or contain evidence) which the Judicial Officer considers relevant or material to such proceeding.
(3) Rule of construction.— Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be considered to apply in any circumstance to which paragraph (1) applies.
(b) Service.— (1) Service within the united states.— A subpoena issued under this section may be served by a person designated under section 3061 of title 18 at any place within the territorial jurisdiction of any court of the United States.
(2) Foreign service.— Any such subpoena may be served upon any person who is not to be found within the territorial jurisdiction of any court of the United States, in such manner as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure prescribe for service in a foreign country. To the extent that the courts of the United States may assert jurisdiction over such person consistent with due process, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have the same jurisdiction to take any action respecting compliance with this section by such person that such court would have if such person were personally within the jurisdiction of such court.
(3) Service on business persons.— Service of any such subpoena may be made upon a partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity by—
(A) delivering a duly executed copy thereof to any partner, executive officer, managing agent, or general agent thereof, or to any agent thereof authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process on behalf of such partnership, corporation, association, or entity;
(B) delivering a duly executed copy thereof to the principal office or place of business of the partnership, corporation, association, or entity; or
(C) depositing such copy in the United States mails, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, duly addressed to such partnership, corporation, association, or entity at its principal office or place of business.
(4) Service on natural persons.— Service of any subpoena may be made upon any natural person by—
(A) delivering a duly executed copy to the person to be served; or
(B) depositing such copy in the United States mails, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, duly addressed to such person at his residence or principal office or place of business.
(5) Verified return.— A verified return by the individual serving any such subpoena setting forth the manner of such service shall be proof of such service. In the case of service by registered or certified mail, such return shall be accompanied by the return post office receipt of delivery of such subpoena.
(c) Enforcement.— (1) In general.— Whenever any person, partnership, corporation, association, or entity fails to comply with any subpoena duly served upon him, the Postmaster General may request that the Attorney General seek enforcement of the subpoena in the district court of the United States for any judicial district in which such person resides, is found, or transacts business, and serve upon such person a petition for an order of such court for the enforcement of this section.
(2) Jurisdiction.— Whenever any petition is filed in any district court of the United States under this section, such court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter so presented, and to enter such order or orders as may be required to carry into effect the provisions of this section. Any final order entered shall be subject to appeal under section 1291 of title 28, United States Code. Any disobedience of any final order entered under this section by any court may be punished as contempt.
(d) Disclosure.— Any documentary material provided pursuant to any subpoena issued under this section shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code.
(Added Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 107(a), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1812.)
## Notes
Editorial Notes
References in TextThe Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DateSection effective 120 days after Dec. 12, 1999, see section 111 of Pub. L. 106168, set out as an Effective Date of 1999 Amendment note under section 3001 of this title.
RegulationsPub. L. 106168, title I, § 107(b), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1813, provided that: “Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section [Dec. 12, 1999], the Postal Service shall promulgate regulations setting out the procedures the Postal Service will use to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section].”
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3017"
description: "Nonmailable skill contests or sweepstakes matter; notification to prohibit mailings"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3017"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3017"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3017"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "f5e7015a50aff8190af4a948fdf8f05b63a02f433ce5deb19dcc2468a5d3c7ab"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "037d4f3888f7588bdc7c83af3497237d353c61539d28299c2e324d402b87081a"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3017 - Nonmailable skill contests or sweepstakes matter; notification to prohibit mailings
## Text
(a) Definitions.— In this section—
(1) the term “promoter” means any person who—
(A) originates and mails any skill contest or sweepstakes, except for any matter described in section 3001(k)(4); or
(B) originates and causes to be mailed any skill contest or sweepstakes, except for any matter described in section 3001(k)(4);
(2) the term “removal request” means a request stating that an individual elects to have the name and address of such individual excluded from any list used by a promoter for mailing skill contests or sweepstakes;
(3) the terms “skill contest”, “sweepstakes”, and “clearly and conspicuously displayed” have the same meanings as given them in section 3001(k); and
(4) the term “duly authorized person”, as used in connection with an individual, means a conservator or guardian of, or person granted power of attorney by, such individual.
(b) Nonmailable Matter.— (1) In general.— Matter otherwise legally acceptable in the mails described in paragraph (2)—
(A) is nonmailable matter;
(B) shall not be carried or delivered by mail; and
(C) shall be disposed of as the Postal Service directs.
(2) Nonmailable matter described.— Matter described in this paragraph is any matter that—
(A) is a skill contest or sweepstakes, except for any matter described in section 3001(k)(4); and
(B) (i) is addressed to an individual who made an election to be excluded from lists under subsection (d); or
(ii) does not comply with subsection (c)(1).
(c) Requirements of Promoters.— (1) Notice to individuals.— Any promoter who mails a skill contest or sweepstakes shall provide with each mailing a statement that—
(A) is clearly and conspicuously displayed;
(B) includes the address or toll-free telephone number of the notification system established under paragraph (2); and
(C) states that the notification system may be used to prohibit the mailing of all skill contests or sweepstakes by that promoter to such individual.
(2) Notification system.— Any promoter that mails or causes to be mailed a skill contest or sweepstakes shall establish and maintain a notification system that provides for any individual (or other duly authorized person) to notify the system of the individuals election to have the name and address of the individual excluded from all lists of names and addresses used by that promoter to mail any skill contest or sweepstakes.
(d) Election To Be Excluded From Lists.— (1) In general.— An individual (or other duly authorized person) may elect to exclude the name and address of that individual from all lists of names and addresses used by a promoter of skill contests or sweepstakes by submitting a removal request to the notification system established under subsection (c).
(2) Response after submitting removal request to the notification system.— Not later than 60 calendar days after a promoter receives a removal request pursuant to an election under paragraph (1), the promoter shall exclude the individuals name and address from all lists of names and addresses used by that promoter to select recipients for any skill contest or sweepstakes.
(3) Effectiveness of election.— An election under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect, unless an individual (or other duly authorized person) notifies the promoter in writing that such individual—
(A) has changed the election; and
(B) elects to receive skill contest or sweepstakes mailings from that promoter.
(e) Private Right of Action.— (1) In general.— An individual who receives one or more mailings in violation of subsection (d) may, if otherwise permitted by the laws or rules of court of a State, bring in an appropriate court of that State—
(A) an action to enjoin such violation;
(B) an action to recover for actual monetary loss from such a violation, or to receive $500 in damages for each such violation, whichever is greater; or
(C) both such actions.
It shall be an affirmative defense in any action brought under this subsection that the defendant has established and implemented, with due care, reasonable practices and procedures to effectively prevent mailings in violation of subsection (d). If the court finds that the defendant willfully or knowingly violated subsection (d), the court may, in its discretion, increase the amount of the award to an amount equal to not more than 3 times the amount available under subparagraph (B).
(2) Action allowable based on other sufficient notice.— A mailing sent in violation of section 3001(l) shall be actionable under this subsection, but only if such an action would not also be available under paragraph (1) (as a violation of subsection (d)) based on the same mailing.
(f) Promoter Nonliability.— A promoter shall not be subject to civil liability for the exclusion of an individuals name or address from any list maintained by that promoter for mailing skill contests or sweepstakes, if—
(1) a removal request is received by the promoters notification system; and
(2) the promoter has a good faith belief that the request is from—
(A) the individual whose name and address is to be excluded; or
(B) another duly authorized person.
(g) Prohibition on Commercial Use of Lists.— (1) In general.— (A) Prohibition.— No person may provide any information (including the sale or rental of any name or address) derived from a list described in subparagraph (B) to another person for commercial use.
(B) Lists.— A list referred to under subparagraph (A) is any list of names and addresses (or other related information) compiled from individuals who exercise an election under subsection (d).
(2) Civil penalty.— Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall be assessed a civil penalty by the Postal Service not to exceed $2,000,000 per violation.
(h) Civil Penalties.— (1) In general.— Any promoter—
(A) who recklessly mails nonmailable matter in violation of subsection (b) shall be liable to the United States in an amount of $10,000 per violation for each mailing to an individual of nonmailable matter; or
(B) who fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (c)(2) shall be liable to the United States.
(2) Enforcement.— The Postal Service shall, in accordance with the same procedures as set forth in section 3012(b), provide for the assessment of civil penalties under this section.
(Added Pub. L. 106168, title I, § 108(a), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1814.)
## Notes
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective DatePub. L. 106168, title I, § 108(c), Dec. 12, 1999, 113 Stat. 1816, provided that: “This section [enacting this section] shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 1999].”
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
---
type: "LegalText"
title: "39 U.S.C. § 3018"
description: "Hazardous material"
jurisdiction: "us"
corpus: "united_states_code"
kind: "code_section"
title_number: 39
title_name: "POSTAL SERVICE"
chapter_number: "30"
chapter_name: "NONMAILABLE MATTER"
section: "3018"
citation: "39 U.S.C. § 3018"
status: "current"
release_point: "119-100"
release_date: "2026-06-26"
source: "official"
source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc39@119-100.zip"
source_identifier: "/us/usc/t39/s3018"
source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-39/usc39.xml"
source_hash: "e607e11c9f53a505e9a26421bccd9f91e40cd2ecf2e4b8034eb4110cc4a3c2ff"
raw_snapshot_hash: "ccea35969be78d053165f1170bf2aa826a68e5b4dea1fe3356d8a09e86e19a65"
text_hash: "7a2aee4797700d7b6693b79025905c62e1a8affe0acbd62786dcf422b7edaf33"
retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
confidence: "official"
tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
---
# 39 U.S.C. § 3018 - Hazardous material
## Text
(a) In General.— The Postal Service shall prescribe regulations for the safe transportation of hazardous material in the mail.
(b) Prohibitions.— No person may—
(1) mail or cause to be mailed hazardous material that has been declared by statute or Postal Service regulation to be nonmailable;
(2) mail or cause to be mailed hazardous material in violation of any statute or Postal Service regulation restricting the time, place, or manner in which hazardous material may be mailed; or
(3) manufacture, distribute, or sell any container, packaging kit, or similar device that—
(A) is represented, marked, certified, or sold by such person for use in the mailing of hazardous material; and
(B) fails to conform with any statute or Postal Service regulation setting forth standards for a container, packaging kit, or similar device used for the mailing of hazardous material.
(c) Civil Penalty; Clean-Up Costs and Damages.— (1) In general.— A person who knowingly violates this section or a regulation prescribed under this section shall be liable for—
(A) a civil penalty of at least $250, but not more than $100,000, for each violation;
(B) the costs of any clean-up associated with each violation; and
(C) damages.
(2) Knowing action.— A person acts knowingly for purposes of paragraph (1) when—
(A) the person has actual knowledge of the facts giving rise to the violation; or
(B) a reasonable person acting in the circumstances and exercising reasonable care would have had that knowledge.
(3) Separate violations.— (A) Violations over time.— A separate violation under this subsection occurs for each day hazardous material, mailed or caused to be mailed in noncompliance with this section, is in the mail.
(B) Separate items.— A separate violation under this subsection occurs for each item containing hazardous material that is mailed or caused to be mailed in noncompliance with this section.
(d) Hearings.— The Postal Service may determine that a person has violated this section or a regulation prescribed under this section only after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with section 3001(m).
(e) Penalty Considerations.— In determining the amount of a civil penalty for a violation of this section, the Postal Service shall consider—
(1) the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;
(2) with respect to the person who committed the violation, the degree of culpability, any history of prior violations, the ability to pay, and any effect on the ability to continue in business;
(3) the impact on Postal Service operations; and
(4) any other matters that justice requires.
(f) Civil Actions to Collect.— (1) In general.— In accordance with section 409(d), a civil action may be commenced in an appropriate district court of the United States to collect a civil penalty, clean-up costs, and damages assessed under subsection (c).
(2) Compromise.— The Postal Service may compromise the amount of a civil penalty, clean-up costs, and damages assessed under subsection (c) before commencing a civil action with respect to such civil penalty, clean-up costs, and damages under paragraph (1).
(g) Civil Judicial Penalties.— (1) In general.— At the request of the Postal Service, the Attorney General may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce this section or a regulation prescribed under this section.
(2) Relief.— The court in a civil action under paragraph (1) may award appropriate relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, civil penalties as determined in accordance with this section, or punitive damages.
(3) Construction.— A civil action under this subsection shall be in lieu of civil penalties for the same violation under subsection (c)(1)(A).
(h) Deposit of Amounts Collected.— (1) Postal service fund.— Except as provided under paragraph (2), amounts collected under subsection (c)(1)(B) and (C) shall be deposited into the Postal Service Fund under section 2003.
(2) Treasury.— Amounts collected under subsection (c)(1)(A) and any punitive damages collected under subsection (c)(1)(C) shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 109435, title X, § 1008(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3259.)