Date of importation.
Date of importation. Date of importation means, in the case of merchandise imported otherwise than by vessel, the date on which the merchandise arrives within the Customs territory of the United States. In the case of merchandise imported by vessel, date of importation means the date on which the vessel arrives within the limits of a port in the United States with intent then and there to unlade such merchandise.
Source
19 CFR § 101.1
Scoping language
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated unless either the context in which they are used requires a different meaning or a different definition is prescribed for a particular part or portion thereof: