Prohibitions — Us Code Code § 3841

Us Code Code § 3841 — Prohibitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 3841. Prohibitions

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any person—

(1) to act in violation of this chapter, or any regulation prescribed under this chapter;

(2) to sell or distribute in domestic or international commerce organotin or an antifouling system containing organotin;

(3) to manufacture, process, or use organotin to formulate an antifouling system;

(4) to apply an antifouling system containing organotin on any vessel to which this chapter applies; or

(5) after the Convention enters into force for the United States, to apply or otherwise use in a manner inconsistent with the Convention, an antifouling system on any vessel that is subject to this chapter.

(b) Vessel hulls

Except as provided in subsection (c), no vessel shall bear on its hull or outer surface any antifouling system containing organotin, regardless of when such system was applied, unless that vessel bears an overcoating which forms a barrier to organotin leaching from the underlying antifouling system.

(c) Limitations

(1) Excepted vessel

Subsection (b) does not apply to fixed or floating platforms, FSUs, or FPSOs that were constructed prior to January 1, 2003, and that have not been in dry dock on or after that date.

(2) Sale, manufacture, etc.

This section does not apply to—

(A) the sale, distribution, or use pursuant to any agreement between the Administrator and any person that results in an earlier prohibition or cancellation date than specified in this chapter; or

(B) the manufacture, processing, formulation, sale, distribution, or use of organotin or antifouling systems containing organotin used or intended for use only for sonar domes or in conductivity sensors in oceanographic instruments.

(Pub. L. 111–281, title X, §1031, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3027.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (4), (5) and (c)(2)(A), was in the original "this title", meaning title X of Pub. L. 111–281, Oct. 15, 2010, 124 Stat. 3023, which enacted this chapter and repealed chapter 37 (§2401 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of title X to the Code, see Tables.

About This Section

33 U.S.C. § 3841 is part of Title 33 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 33 U.S.C. § 3841. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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Statute text is transcribed from the official United States Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

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Common questions

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What subject does United States Code § 3841 address?

It addresses "Prohibitions". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 3841 still in force?

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