HS Code:
This category pertains to personal use articles such as cigars (not over 50), cigarettes (not over 300), smoking tobacco (not over 2 kilograms or a proportionate mix), and alcoholic beverages (not over 1 liter) that are reasonable and appropriate for personal consumption. These items are intended exclusively for the bona fide personal use of individuals arriving in the United States who are employed on a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft engaged in international traffic, with the intention of resuming such employment. The articles (except those consumed during use) must be taken out of the United States by the individual. This category typically falls under various Harmonized System (HS) codes depending on the specific product, such as 2402 for cigars and cigarettes, 2403 for other tobacco products, and 2208 for alcoholic beverages.
Total Trade Volume
Not specifically quantified due to the personal use nature of the category; however, related tobacco and alcohol trade globally exceeds $100 billion annually.
Data from 2022
Source
World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations Comtrade Database
Significant due to high inbound international traffic
Not applicable (personal use context) of total trade
Stable
High due to major transit hubs
Not applicable (personal use context) of total trade
Stable
Notable due to international crew movements
Not applicable (personal use context) of total trade
Stable
Significant due to key aviation and shipping hub
Not applicable (personal use context) of total trade
Increasing
High due to major international transit points
Not applicable (personal use context) of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
Varies by product; tobacco products often face 20-50% ad valorem or specific duties, while alcoholic beverages range from 5-30% depending on type and country.
Highest Rate
Up to 350% or specific duties (e.g., $5 per kg) on tobacco in certain countries with strict health policies.
Lowest Rate
0% in free trade zones or for personal use exemptions under specific quotas.
Increasing scrutiny on tobacco imports
Stricter regulations and reduced duty-free allowances in many countries due to public health concerns.
2021-2023
Growth in international travel post-COVID
Higher movement of international crew and passengers, leading to increased personal use imports of such articles.
2022-2023
Shift towards sustainable and local products
Reduced demand for imported tobacco and alcohol in some regions as local alternatives gain popularity.
2020-2023
The European Union revised its duty-free limits for tobacco and alcohol for personal use, aligning with stricter health policies.
January 2023
Reduced quantities allowed for personal use, affecting international crew and travelers.
US Customs and Border Protection announced stricter enforcement of declaration requirements for tobacco and alcohol brought by international crew members.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs and potential delays for non-compliant individuals.
Singapore introduced temporary increases in duty-free allowances for personal use items to boost tourism and transit traffic.
July 2022
Positive for international crew and travelers, encouraging more personal imports within limits.