Cargo Security Act of 1979

Cargo Security Act of 1979 - Title I: Cargo Security for Property Being Transported in Interstate and Foreign Commerce - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish regulations to assure the safety and security of property under the control of carriers, freight forwarders, or terminal operators subject to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the Interstate Commerce Act, or the Shipping Act of 1916 while such property is being transported in interstate or foreign commerce with respect to: (1) proper packaging; (2) proper documentation and labeling; (3) comprehensive and uniform loss reporting; and (4) personnel security.

Sets forth civil penalties for the violation of any regulation promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to this Act.

Stipulates that orders of the Secretary assessing such a penalty shall be reviewable by the United States Court of Appeals in the circuit in which the violation occurred.

Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress on the administration of this title.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the causes and scope of cargo losses; (2) evaluate cargo theft deterrents; (3) examine insurance liability limitations for carriers; (4) encourage the development of crime prevention technology; (5) study the feasibility of Federal licensing or identification systems; and (6) publicize information concerning cargo security problems and measures designed to eliminate such problems.

Sets forth criminal penalties for any individual who, without authority, affixes recognized security seals to goods in interstate or foreign commerce, or who, without authority, willfully removes, breaks, or defaces such a seal. Sets forth criminal penalties for individuals who, without authority, enter into any warehouse, designated storage area, or vehicle containing goods moving in interstate or foreign commerce.

Sets forth criminal penalties for knowingly making false statements in making application for employment with common carriers, freight forwarders or terminal operators.

Title II: Customs Port Security - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue security and safety regulations to protect cargo at any ports of entry while such cargo is under the control of: (1) any carrier subject to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the Interstate Commerce Act, or the Shipping Act of 1916; or (2) any terminal operator.

Sets forth civil penalties for violating such regulations. Makes such penalties assessed by the Secretary reviewable by the United States Court of Appeals in which the violation occurred.

Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to the Congress on the administration of this title.

Sets forth criminal penalties for the unlawful affixing, removal, breaking, or defacing of customs seals. Sets forth criminal penalties for the malicious entering of any bonded warehouse, vessel, or vehicle containing bonded merchandise or baggage with intent to unlawfully remove such merchandise or baggage. Sets forth criminal penalties for the removal of such merchandise or baggage.

Title III: Interagency Council on Cargo Security - Establishes an Interagency Council on Cargo Security to identify and coordinate Federal department and agency actions relating to cargo security.