The personal and household effects (with such limitation on the importation of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe) of any person in the service of the United States who returns to the United States upon the termination of assignment to extended duty (as defined in regulations issued in connection with this provision) at a post or station outside the customs territory of the United States, or of returning members of his family who have resided with him at such post or station, or of any person evacuated to the United States under Government orders or instructions
1 declarable lines
Heading 9805 covers personal and household effects of persons in the service of the United States who return after extended duty outside the customs territory, of family members who lived with them, and of persons evacuated under Government orders. It has one declarable line, 9805.00.50, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. The heading text also allows Treasury-prescribed limits on alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Products in this heading
- Used household furniture such as sofas and dining tables
- Used clothing and shoes for the returning person and family
- Used kitchen utensils and cookware
- Used bedding, towels, and linens
- Used books and personal papers
- Used small household appliances
- Used personal electronics such as a television or computer
- Children's toys and personal hobby items
How to choose the right subheading
- Whether the importer is a person in the service of the United States
- Whether the person returns upon termination of assignment to extended duty outside the customs territory of the United States
- Whether the goods belong to returning family members who lived at the post or to a person evacuated under Government orders
- Whether the goods are personal and household effects rather than commercial merchandise
- Whether any alcoholic beverages or tobacco products are within the limits prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury
Often confused with
- Heading 9804Personal effects of a returning tourist who is not a U.S. government employee
9805 requires U.S. service and return after extended duty outside the customs territory.
- Heading 9806Baggage and effects of an alien arriving in the United States
9806 covers alien baggage and effects, not returning U.S. government personnel.
- Heading 9801U.S. goods returned after export without change in condition
9801 covers returned U.S. products without having been advanced in value or improved in condition.
- Heading 9816Low-value personal or household items and gifts under the $1,000 limit
9816 provides a separate low-value personal and gift provision for eligible travelers.
- Heading 9808Articles for the use of a U.S. Government agency
9808 covers agency use articles, not personal and household effects of an individual.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for personal effects of a returning U.S. government employee?
The code is 9805.00.50, and its general (MFN) rate is Free.
What is the duty on household goods imported by a returning U.S. government employee?
For eligible personal and household effects entered under 9805.00.50, the general (MFN) rate is Free.
How do I classify used household goods brought back by a U.S. government employee?
Use 9805.00.50, whose general (MFN) rate is Free, when the goods are personal and household effects and the traveler meets the U.S. service, extended duty, and return conditions in the heading text.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.