HTSUS, United States

9809.00.30

Articles for the official use of members of the armed forces of any foreign country on duty in the United States

Classification path

  1. Articles for foreign governments on a reciprocal basis and for public international organizations
  2. Articles for the official use of members of the armed forces of any foreign country on duty in the United States

Rates of duty

General (MFN)
Free
Column 2Cuba, North Korea, Russia, Belarus
Free
Unit of quantity
n/a

Related lines in heading 9809

About heading 9809

Public documents, whether or not in the form of microfilm, microfiches, or similar film media (including exposed and developed motion picture and other films, recorded video tapes and sound recordings) issued essentially at the instance and expense of a foreign government, of a political subdivision of a foreign country or of an international organization the membership of which includes two or more foreign countries

Heading 9809 covers public documents issued at the instance and expense of a foreign government, political subdivision, or international organization, plus certain articles connected with foreign governments, foreign armed forces, and official noncommercial use in the United States. It is split by specific use or recipient, such as public documents, State Department requested office supplies, foreign armed forces articles, noncommercial property, prosthetics, headstones, gifts to U.S. government bodies, and free-distribution printed matter. All listed subheadings carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Full guide to heading 9809

Products in this heading

  • Microfilm or microfiche copies of foreign government public documents
  • Recorded video tapes or sound recordings issued by a foreign government
  • Office supplies requested by the Department of State for a foreign diplomat on duty in the United States
  • Equipment for a foreign country's armed forces on duty in the United States
  • Noncommercial exhibition materials owned by a foreign government
  • Prosthetic appliances furnished by a foreign government to its former armed forces members living in the United States
  • Headstones furnished by a foreign government for war veteran graves in the United States
  • Printed matter with no advertising for free distribution

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for foreign government public documents on microfilm?

Use 9809.00.10; the general (MFN) rate is Free.

What is the duty on a gift from a foreign government to a U.S. public institution?

Gifts for presentation to the U.S. Government, a State or local government, or a U.S. public institution are classified under 9809.00.70; the general (MFN) rate is Free.

How do I classify printed matter with no advertising for free distribution?

Printed matter with no advertising matter for free distribution is classified under 9809.00.80; the general (MFN) rate is Free.

Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, retrieved October 21, 2026.

HTS 9809.00.30: Articles for the official use of members of the armed force..., Free duty | HTSBase