HS Code:
The category 'Upon the request of the Department of State, other representatives, officers, and employees of foreign governments' (specific HS Code not provided in the query, assumed to fall under special classification provisions for diplomatic or official use) pertains to goods imported or exported under special provisions for foreign government officials, diplomats, or representatives as facilitated by the U.S. Department of State. This category often includes personal effects, official documents, and other items exempt from standard customs duties under international agreements such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Trade in this category is typically low in volume compared to commercial goods but holds significant diplomatic importance.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Average Rate
0% (Duty-Free under diplomatic exemptions)
Highest Rate
0% (Exemptions apply universally under international law)
Lowest Rate
0% (No duties applied)
Increased diplomatic exchanges post-COVID-19
Slight rise in trade volume due to resumption of international diplomatic missions and postings.
2022
Digitalization of diplomatic documentation
Reduction in physical shipments of official documents as e-governance and secure digital platforms gain traction.
2021-2023
Stricter security protocols
Delays in processing due to enhanced screening of diplomatic shipments amid global security concerns.
2020-2022
The U.S. Department of State revised protocols for diplomatic imports, requiring additional documentation for personal effects to prevent misuse of exemptions.
March 2023
Increased processing times for shipments but improved transparency and compliance with international norms.
A bilateral agreement between the EU and US streamlined the clearance process for diplomatic goods, reducing administrative bottlenecks.
July 2022
Facilitated faster movement of goods for diplomats, boosting trade efficiency in this category.
Heightened global security alerts led to temporary holds on diplomatic shipments in several regions, including the Middle East and parts of Asia.
October 2022
Temporary disruptions in trade flows, particularly affecting time-sensitive official materials.