HS Code:
The category 'Upon the request of the Department of State, persons designated by the Department of State as high officials of foreign governments or distinguished foreign visitors and their immediate families' pertains to special provisions under U.S. customs regulations. This category does not fall under a specific Harmonized System (HS) Code as it relates to diplomatic privileges and exemptions rather than a tradable commodity. It covers duty-free entry of personal effects and other goods for designated foreign dignitaries as per international agreements and U.S. law, facilitating diplomatic relations and courtesy. This is often governed under specific annotations in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), such as Chapter 98, which includes provisions for articles imported under diplomatic exemptions.
Total Trade Volume
Not applicable (N/A) as this category does not represent a traditional trade good with quantifiable trade volume.
Data from N/A
Source
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
Average Rate
0% (Duty-Free under diplomatic exemptions)
Highest Rate
N/A (Exemptions apply)
Lowest Rate
N/A (Exemptions apply)
Increased diplomatic engagements globally
Potentially higher frequency of duty-free entries for foreign dignitaries as diplomatic visits and international summits increase.
2023
Stricter security protocols
Enhanced scrutiny of goods entering under diplomatic exemptions due to national security concerns, even with duty-free status.
2023
The U.S. Department of State, in coordination with CBP, has updated protocols for processing duty-free imports for foreign dignitaries to streamline documentation while maintaining security standards.
January 2023
Improved efficiency in customs clearance for designated persons, reducing delays during high-profile visits.
Recent bilateral agreements between the U.S. and several countries have expanded the scope of duty-free privileges for visiting officials, reinforcing diplomatic ties.
March 2023
Expected increase in the number of qualifying individuals and goods entering under this category.