USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-404 — Disposal Of Duty-free Personal Property

USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-404 governs prohibitions on disposing of personal property acquired free of foreign customs taxes or import duties.

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  • Publication number: USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-404
  • Title: DISPOSAL OF DUTY-FREE PERSONAL PROPERTY
  • Date: 2025-09-30

View USAFE-AFAFRICAI51-404 on armypubs.army.mil


It prohibits specified transfers, sales, gifts, loans, and purchases of duty-free property, fuel, and related coupons. It also addresses implementing directives that may establish reasonable quantity limits.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all Air Force military personnel, Department of the Air Force civilian employees, and dependents of both military and civilian personnel, who are authorized to import, purchase, acquire or possess personal property under an exemption from foreign customs taxes and import duties.

Topics covered

  • Duty-free personal property disposal
  • Tax-free gasoline and petroleum products
  • Duty-free item possession
  • Implementing directives
  • Quantity limits on duty-free purchases

Questions and answers

What disposal of duty-free personal property is prohibited?

To sell, trade, transfer, give, lend, or in any way dispose of personal property imported or acquired free of foreign customs taxes or import duties to any individual or agency not authorized to import or acquire such property free of tax or duty. (paragraph 1)

What happens if someone sells or transfers tax-free fuel or fuel coupons to an unauthorized person or agency?

To sell, trade, transfer, give, or in any way dispose of tax-free gasoline, motor oil, kerosene, or fuel oil, or coupons authorizing acquisition of any of these items, to any individual or agency not authorized to import or acquire the same free of tax. (paragraph 1)

Is it prohibited to buy or possess duty-free items intending to dispose of them?

To purchase or possess duty-free items with the intent to dispose of the items to any individual or agency not authorized to import or acquire such property free of tax or duty. (paragraph 1)

What guidance governs publication of subordinate implementing directives?

Publish guidance according to Air Force Instruction 33-360, Publication and Forms Management. (paragraph 2)

What disciplinary consequence can military personnel face for violating the prohibitions?

Failure to observe prohibitions and mandatory provisions of this directive in paragraph 1 and its subordinate clauses by military personnel is a violation of Article 92, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

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