2 FAM 240
CUSTOMS PRIVILEGES ACCORDED U.S. REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD
(CT:GEN-590; 03-30-2023)
(Office of Origin: L/DL)
2 FAM 241 DUTY FREE ENTRY
(CT:GEN-590; 03-30-2023)
The United States extends duty-free entry privileges 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). Furthermore, the United States extends a qualified exemption from baggage inspection to diplomatic agents and consular officers. 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 abroad—i.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 passing—should 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-590; 03-30-2023)
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 like 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, based on reciprocity, restrict such exemptions and courtesies extended to that foreign government's representatives in the United States. The purpose of the restriction is 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 the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM). Posts should contact OFM with such reports. Cables to OFM should include the TAG KREC.
2 FAM 244 FREE ENTRY OF OFFICIAL SUPPLIES
(CT:GEN-590; 03-30-2023)
Missions submit reports by cable or email 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 emails to OFM's Office of Policy and Reciprocity at OFM-Reciprocity@state.gov. 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-590; 03-30-2023)
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 email to OFM's Office of Policy and Reciprocity at OFM-Reciprocity@state.gov. 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) via a Pouch Discrepancy Report submitted to ILMS DPM and via the ILMS Self-Service Portal (ILMS SSP). 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