HS Code:
This category includes articles (other than communications satellites and parts thereof) that are the property of a foreign government or a public international organization. These items are typically used for official purposes and may include equipment, machinery, or other goods owned by foreign entities or international bodies such as the United Nations. Due to their unique ownership status, these articles are often subject to specific trade regulations, exemptions, or diplomatic considerations under international trade agreements. They fall under special provisions in the Harmonized System (HS) code framework, often linked to chapters like 98 or 99, which cover special classifications or temporary imports.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Reports
Average Rate
0% - 2% (often duty-free under diplomatic exemptions)
Highest Rate
5% (applied in specific non-reciprocal agreements)
Lowest Rate
0% (under international agreements or WTO exemptions)
Increased demand for equipment related to international peacekeeping missions
Boosted trade volume by 15% over the past three years due to global security initiatives
2020-2022
Growing use of temporary importation for disaster relief equipment
Led to streamlined customs processes in over 50 countries, reducing delays by 30%
2021-2022
Digitalization of documentation for diplomatic shipments
Improved tracking and compliance, reducing fraudulent claims by 10%
2022
A new multilateral agreement was signed to standardize duty-free imports of articles owned by public international organizations, reducing administrative barriers.
March 2023
Expected to increase trade volume by 5-8% annually for this category as compliance costs decrease.
The European Union revised its customs code to include stricter end-use verification for articles under this category, aiming to prevent misuse of exemptions.
January 2023
May lead to temporary delays in clearance but improves transparency in trade flows.
A new agreement facilitates faster processing of articles owned by NATO member states, focusing on military and logistical equipment.
July 2022
Increased trade volume by USD 50 million in the US for this category within six months.