# Document condemned as forfeited

> act-s487ZK — as in force on 2026-06-04 — C2026C00232 · Compilation No. 171 — https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026C00232/latest/text

487ZK Document condemned as forfeited
          (1) If a document is seized under subsection 487ZJ(1), then:
                (a) the person who gave, presented, produced or provided the
                    document to the official under subsection 487ZI(1); and
                (b) if that person is not the owner of the document—the owner;
              may, subject to paragraph (2)(b), institute proceedings in a court of
              competent jurisdiction:
                (c) to recover the document; or
                (d) for a declaration that the document is not forfeited.
          (2) The proceedings:
               (a) may be instituted even if the seizure notice required to be
                   given under subsection 487ZJ(2) in relation to the document
                   has not yet been given; and
               (b) may only be instituted before the end of the period specified
                   in the seizure notice.
          (3) If, before the end of the period specified in the seizure notice, the
              person or owner does not institute the proceedings, the document is
              condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth immediately after
              the end of that period.
          (4) If, before the end of the period specified in the seizure notice, the
              person or owner does institute the proceedings, the document is
              condemned as forfeited to the Commonwealth at the end of the
              proceedings unless there is:
                (a) an order for the person or owner to recover the document; or
                (b) a declaration that the document is not forfeited.
          (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), if the proceedings go to
              judgment, they end:
                (a) if no appeal against the judgment is lodged within the period
                    for lodging such an appeal—at the end of that period; or









                 (b) if an appeal against the judgment is lodged within that
                     period—when the appeal lapses or is finally determined.