19 U.S.C. § 1461 : US Code - Section 1461: Inspection of merchandise and baggage

Search 19 U.S.C. § 1461 : US Code - Section 1461: Inspection of merchandise and baggage

All merchandise and baggage imported or brought in from any
contiguous country, except as otherwise provided by law or by
regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be unladen in
the presence of and be inspected by a customs officer at the first
port of entry at which the same shall arrive; and such officer may
require the owner, or his agent, or other person having charge or
possession of any trunk, traveling bag, sack, valise, or other
container, or of any closed vehicle, to open the same for
inspection, or to furnish a key or other means for opening the
same.