9805.00.50
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
Classification path
- 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
Rates of duty
- General (MFN)
- Free
- Column 2Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Belarus
- Free
- Unit of quantity
- n/a
About heading 9805
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
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.
Full guide to heading 9805Products 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
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.
Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, retrieved October 21, 2026.