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7 U.S.C. 254: Penalties for noncomplianceText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 7-AGRICULTURECHAPTER 10-WAREHOUSES
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§254. Penalties for noncompliance

If a person fails to comply with any requirement of this chapter (including regulations promulgated under this chapter), the Secretary may assess, on the record after an opportunity for a hearing, a civil penalty⁠—

(1)  of not more than $25,000 per violation, if an agricultural product is not involved in the violation; or

(2)  of not more than 100 percent of the value of the agricultural product, if an agricultural product is involved in the violation.

( Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313 , pt. C, § 15, as added Pub. L. 106–472, title II, § 201 , Nov. 9, 2000 , 114 Stat. 2068 .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 254, act Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313, pt. C, § 13, 39 Stat. 488, prohibited discrimination by warehousemen, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 106–472. See section 247 of this title.

A prior section 15 of act Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313, pt. C, was classified to section 256 of this title, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 106–472.