Executive Order 423

Paragraph 680 of the Consular Regulations is hereby stricken out and the following paragraph substituted:

Invoice and declaration to be verified—

When the invoice and declaration are received by the consul, it is his duty to examine carefully each item and satisfy himself that it is true and correct. In aid of this examination it shall be the duty of such consular officer to confer with official chambers of commerce and other trade organizations in his district, and he shall report any and all written communications from such commercial bodies and trade organizations that may be submitted to him in writing, together with all schedules of prices furnished him officially for that purpose; and the consul is authorized, in his discretion, to call for the bills of sale of merchandise purchased for export to the United States; to inquire into the cost of production of merchandise not obtained by purchase; to demand samples; and, if the conditions require it, to examine the entire consignment. Whenever an invoice is offered for certification which covers consolidated shipments consisting of the productions of different manufacturers, the consul may demand the submission of the manufacturers' bills relating thereto. Even when the merchandise has been purchased for export and the invoice sets out truly the price paid, the consul should ascertain whether the price represents the market value of the goods.

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 * March 1, 1906.