Which of the following statements is TRUE about the procedure after detention of shipments under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of a covered commodity?
How to get there
19 CFR 12.124(a): Time limitationsThe importer of a shipment of a covered commodity which has been detained under § 12.122 must bring the shipment into compliance with TSCA or export the shipment from the customs territory of the United States within 90 days after notice of detention or 30 days of demand for redelivery, whichever comes first.
That's A, word for word.
Why the other choices are wrong
C) 120 days / 60 days: the right structure with the wrong numbers. It's 90 days and 30 days. The port director can add at most 30 days, and only for EPA or CBP delays (§ 12.124(b)).
B) Written documentation within 90 days and D) within 120 days: this mixes up § 12.123(a). The importer may (it's optional) submit written documentation to the EPA Administrator, with a copy to the port director, within 20 days of the detention notice to show why entry shouldn't be refused. Both the "must" and the 90 or 120 days are wrong.
Tip
The TSCA detention clock: optional show-cause documents within 20 days → the Administrator decides within 30 days of the notice → comply or export within 90 days of the notice (or 30 days of a redelivery demand, whichever is first) → a possible extension of up to 30 days for agency delays.
Sources: 19 CFR 12.124(a)–(b); 12.123(a), (c) (eCFR).
CBP answer key: Answer A · 19 CFR 12.124(a)Source: CBP past exams ↗