What constitutes an importation 'contrary to law'?

When considering what constitutes an importation 'contrary to law,' ignoring reporting obligations in effect is a significant factor. Import regulations are designed to ensure that all goods entering a country are documented and tracked, which serves multiple purposes including security, taxation, and public health. Failure to adhere to these reporting obligations can lead to serious legal ramifications, as it undermines the integrity of the import system and could facilitate illegal activities such as smuggling or trafficking.

Adhering to these regulations is crucial for maintaining lawful trade practices. By failing to report imports properly, individuals or businesses may inadvertently or deliberately engage in activities that can be classified as illegal. This is why the act of ignoring such obligations is viewed as a violation of the law, rendering the importation itself contrary to established legal frameworks governing trade.

The other options, while they describe actions that may be illegal, do not encompass the broader implications of failing to meet legal reporting requirements across various types of imports. Such reporting is a fundamental part of lawful importation and drastically impacts trade compliance.