2 FAM 240
CUSTOMS PRIVILEGES ACCORDED U.S. REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD
(CT:GEN-483; 11-03-2017)
(Office of Origin: L/DL)
2 FAM 241 DUTY FREE ENTRY
(CT:GEN-314; 12-7-2004)
The United States extends duty-free entry privileges (and
a qualified exemption from baggage inspection) to foreign diplomatic agents,
consular officers, and administrative and technical staff as required by the Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) Article 36 and the Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations (VCCR) Article 50. This privilege is subject to
reciprocity (VCDR, Article 47; VCCR, Article 72). Certain staff of
international organizations and members of missions to such organizations receive
similar duty-free privileges under the relevant international agreement and/or
the International Organization Immunities Act, 22 U.S.C. 288.
2 FAM 242 REQUESTING CUSTOMS COURTESIES
(CT:GEN-314; 12-7-2004)
U.S. diplomatic agents, officers, and administrative and
technical staff desiring the extension of customs courtesies abroadi.e., the
exemption from having to process customs clearance in person, either in the
country to which they are assigned, or in a third country through which they
are passingshould submit their request for such through the appropriate
American mission. The granting of customs courtesies is subject to
reciprocity.
2 FAM 243 SECURING RECIPROCAL
COURTESIES AND PRIVILEGES
(CT:GEN-483; 11-03-2017)
a. Where foreign governments do not grant to U.S.
diplomatic agents, consular officers, and administrative and technical staff
customs courtesies and duty-free entry privileges similar to those enjoyed by
that country's representatives in the United States, American diplomatic representatives
in that country should bring this discrepancy to the attention of the foreign
government. At a minimum, the U.S. Government expects its representatives to
receive the level of customs courtesies and privileges set forth in the VCDR
and VCCR.
b. If the foreign government will not grant the
required customs duty exemptions and courtesies to our representatives abroad,
the U.S. Government will, on the basis of reciprocity, withdraw such exemptions
and courtesies extended to that foreign government's representatives in the
United States. The purpose of the withdrawal is both to balance the level of
privileges and benefits and to encourage the corresponding government to enter
negotiations to increase the level of customs privileges for both sets of
diplomatic representatives. Representations or protests of this sort are
reported immediately to M/OFM. Posts
should contact the Office of Foreign Missions (M/OFM)
with such reports. Cables to OFM should include the TAG KREC.
2 FAM 244 FREE ENTRY OF OFFICIAL
SUPPLIES
(CT:GEN-483; 11-03-2017)
Missions submit reports by cable or e-mail to the
Department whenever any change occurs in the law or practice of the country to
which they are assigned that might affect the importation of merchandise and
supplies for the official use of U.S. representatives abroad. Address these
cables or e-mails to the Office of Foreign Missions, M/OFM. These reports specify any requirements
(such as having shipments addressed only to the chief of mission) or special
documents that are necessary to procure the entry of official importations in
accordance with local customs, laws, and regulations.
2 FAM 245 VIOLATION OF THE
INVIOLABILITY OF DIPLOMATIC BAGS/POUCHES
(CT:GEN-483; 11-03-2017)
Missions must report any attempts by the host government
to examine, open, x ray, detain, or otherwise interfere with any unclassified
or classified U.S. pouch. Address the cable or e-mail to M/OFMs Diplomatic Tax and Customs Program. In
addition, report violations, attempted violations, or threats to the
inviolability of unclassified pouches to the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail Division
of Logistics Management, A/LM/PMP/DPM. Also immediately report violations,
attempted violations, or threats to the inviolability of classified pouch to
the Diplomatic Courier Service of Diplomatic Security, DS/C/DC.
2 FAM 246 to 249 UNASSIGNED