Code of Federal Regulations Title 19. Customs Duties § 19.151.42 Controls on unlading and gauging

(1) Each port director shall establish controls and checks on the unlading and measurement of petroleum and petroleum products imported in bulk by vessel, truck, railroad car, pipeline, or other carrier. One of the following methods of control shall be employed:

(2) Vessel ullages shall be taken in every case unless the port director determines that it is impracticable to do so for safety or technological reasons. Ullages may be taken for trucks and railroad cars if weighing or shore tank gauging is not available as a method of control. Vessel ullages will not be used to determine the quantity unladen unless none of the other methods provided for in this paragraph is available or adequate.

(3) The metering and sampling installations described in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section are approved by Customs on a case-by-case basis. Importers seeking approval shall send a complete description of the installation to the port director who, with the concurrence of the Director, Laboratory & Scientific Services, or his designee, shall give approval or shall state, in writing, the reasons for disapproval. Approved installations are subject to periodic verification by Customs. Importers desiring to modify a Customs-approved installation shall obtain Customs approval beforehand.

(1) Opening ullages.

(2) Closing ullages of carriers which have not completely discharged cargo, or if an importer or carrier requests Customs to witness closing ullages because of special problems.

(3) Shore tank gauges performed by company or related-party employees.

(4) Between 5 and 10 per cent of shore tank gauges conducted by commercial gaugers.

(5) Shore tank gauges, including those conducted by a commercial gauger if no carrier ullages are taken.