Section 248
SEC. 248. Upon arrival of the car or vessel or other conveyance at the port of destination, examination must be made of the a fastenings of the compartment, car, or vehicle in which are stored dutiable goods for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not they have been tampered with. If such fastenings are not intact, or the collector has reason to suspect fraudulent attempts, he shall take possession of the vessel, car, or vehicle and its contents and report the facts to the Insular Collector. If there is no evidence that fraud has been attempted, the seals should be removed by the officer and entry of the goods allowed as hereinbefore provided. Merchandise in bonded warehouses may be examined at any time during the business hours of the port by the importer, consignee, or agent, who may take samples of his goods in reasonable quantities, according to the usage of the port, make all needful repairs of packages, and repack the goods if necessary for their safety or preservation: Provided, That when the original contents are placed in the new package they shall be marked and numbered as before. Casks containing wines liable to sour may be refilled when necessary for preservation, but the wine used for such refilling must be part of the same importation and must have been withdrawn for consumption with payment of duties. No samples shall be taken nor any goods exhibited or examined without a permit from the collector and under the supervision of an officer of customs, nor unless by request of the importer, owner, or consignee; nor shall any package be repaired nor the goods repacked without a permit, to be granted only when necessary for the safety or preservation of the contents. Goods imported in bulk, and not in immediate danger of deterioration, can not be placed in packages while in warehouse.