§ 148.53 Exemption for tools of trade.

(a) Exemption. Professional books, implements, instruments, or tools of trade, occupation or employment, may be allowed entry free of duty and tax under the provisions of subheading 9804.00.15, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202), for such articles owned and used abroad by any person emigrating to the United States, or subheading 9804.00.10 for such articles taken abroad by or for the account of any person arriving in the United States. The exemption for emigrants under subheading 9804.00.15, HTSUS shall not be applied to: (1) Theatrical scenery, properties, or apparel; (2) Articles for use in any manufacturing establishment; (3) Articles for any other person; or (4) Articles for sale. (b) Declaration. A declaration of the emigrant or returning individual on Customs Form 3299, or its electronic equivalent, shall be required to support the claim of free entry. However, an oral declaration may be accepted from a returning individual in lieu of a written declaration for any such articles claimed to be free of duty under subheading 9804.00.10, HTSUS (19 U.S.C. 1202).