Exemptions from tax on cigars, cigarettes, and cigarette papers and tubes apply in accordance with the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (27 CFR part 275) upon release from Customs custody of such articles imported by consular officers and employees of foreign states. Cigars, cigarettes, cigarette papers, and tubes may also be released without payment of tax as provided in § 11.2a and for exhibition in accordance with part 147 of this chapter. Additionally, cigars, cigarettes, or cigarette papers and tubes may be admitted free of duty and tax under the provisions of Subchapter IV, Chapter 98, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. § 1202), or section 321, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 1321), §§ 148.63, 148.74, and subpart I of part 148 of this chapter. Except in the foregoing instances and in any instance in which such articles are imported in passengers’ baggage or are to be released under a mail entry for the personal consumption of the importer or for disposition as his bona fide gift, the provisions in part 275 of the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (27 CFR part 275) as to packages and notices thereon apply.

Terms Used In 19 CFR 11.3

  • Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
  • Importer: means the person primarily liable for the payment of any duties on the merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on his behalf. See 19 CFR 101.1
  • United States: includes all territories and possessions of the United States, except the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands, Kingman Reef, Johnston Island, and the island of Guam. See 19 CFR 134.1

[T.D. 73-27, 38 FR 2449, Jan. 26, 1973, as amended by T.D. 73-227, 38 FR 22548, Aug. 22, 1973; T.D. 78-329, 43 FR 43454, Sept. 26, 1978; T.D. 89-1, 53 FR 51253, Dec. 21, 1988]