Articles which, while in the United States, will remain the property of such government or of such organization and will be used only in connection with noncommercial functions of such government or of such organization, including exhibitions which are sponsored by or participated in by such government or such organization and which are not commercial in character or connected with commercial undertakings
Upon the request of the Department of State, articles (other than communications satellites and parts thereof) which are the property of a foreign government or of a public international organization: > Articles which, while in the United States, will remain the property of such government or of such organization and will be used only in connection with noncommercial functions of such government or of such organization, including exhibitions which are sponsored by or participated in by such government or such organization and which are not commercial in character or connected with commercial undertakings
Duty Rate (from China)
Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Products classified under HTS 9809.00.40
French Embassy Official State Dinner Service
Complete porcelain dinner service set owned by the French government for use exclusively at official diplomatic state dinners hosted by the French Embassy in Washington DC. These articles remain French government property and are used solely for noncommercial diplomatic functions, qualifying for duty-free entry under HTS 9809.00.40 upon State Department request. The set includes plates, bowls, and serving pieces bearing official French presidential insignia.
Japanese Consulate Traditional Tea Ceremony Set
Authentic Japanese lacquerware tea ceremony utensils owned by the Japanese government for cultural diplomacy demonstrations at the Japanese Consulate. These items remain Japanese government property and are used exclusively for noncommercial cultural exchange events, qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40. The set includes tea bowls, whisks, and ceremonial ladles.
German Embassy Technical Demonstration Models
Precision-engineered scale models of German engineering achievements owned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs for noncommercial technical exhibitions. These remain German government property and are used only for educational demonstrations at official embassy events under HTS 9809.00.40 provisions.
British High Commission Historical Document Display Cases
Custom archival display cases owned by the UK government containing replicas of Magna Carta and historical treaties for noncommercial exhibitions at the British High Commission. These remain Crown property used solely for diplomatic cultural programs qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40.
Russian Embassy Orthodox Religious Icons
Sacred Orthodox religious icons owned by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for noncommercial religious services and cultural exhibitions at the Russian Embassy. These articles remain Russian government property used exclusively for diplomatic religious functions under HTS 9809.00.40.
Chinese Embassy Calligraphy Exhibition Scrolls
Ancient Chinese calligraphy scrolls owned by the People's Republic of China Ministry of Culture for noncommercial cultural exhibitions demonstrating traditional Chinese artistry. Remain Chinese government property qualifying for HTS 9809.00.40 duty-free entry.
Canadian Embassy Indigenous Artifacts Display
Traditional First Nations ceremonial artifacts owned by the Canadian Department of Canadian Heritage for noncommercial cultural exhibitions promoting indigenous heritage. Remain Canadian government property used only for diplomatic cultural programs under HTS 9809.00.40.
Italian Embassy Renaissance Replica Sculptures
Life-size plaster replicas of Michelangelo sculptures owned by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage for noncommercial Renaissance art exhibitions at the Italian Embassy. Remain Italian government property qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40 diplomatic provisions.
Australian Embassy Didgeridoo Cultural Display
Authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos owned by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs for noncommercial indigenous music demonstrations and cultural exhibitions. Remain Australian government property used exclusively for diplomatic cultural functions under HTS 9809.00.40.
Mexican Embassy Folk Dance Costumes
Traditional Mexican folk dance costumes owned by the Mexican Secretariat of Culture for noncommercial cultural performances at the Mexican Embassy. Remain Mexican government property used only for official diplomatic cultural events qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40.
Indian Embassy Vedic Ceremony Artifacts
Sacred Vedic ceremony brass artifacts owned by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for noncommercial religious ceremonies and cultural exhibitions at the Indian Embassy. Remain Indian government property qualifying for HTS 9809.00.40 duty-free entry.
Brazilian Embassy Carnival Replica Float Models
Scale models of famous Rio Carnival floats owned by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism for noncommercial cultural exhibitions promoting Brazilian heritage. Remain Brazilian government property used only for diplomatic cultural programs under HTS 9809.00.40.
South African Embassy Apartheid Museum Exhibits
Historical artifacts from apartheid era owned by the South African Department of International Relations for noncommercial human rights exhibitions. Remain South African government property used exclusively for diplomatic educational programs under HTS 9809.00.40.
Swedish Embassy Nobel Prize Replica Trophies
Official Nobel Prize replica trophies owned by the Swedish Academy for noncommercial award ceremonies and educational exhibitions at the Swedish Embassy. Remain Swedish government property qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40 diplomatic provisions.
UNESCO World Heritage Exhibit Models
Architectural scale models of World Heritage sites owned by UNESCO for noncommercial global heritage exhibitions sponsored by the public international organization. Remain UNESCO property used only for educational purposes qualifying under HTS 9809.00.40.