What is required of all duty-free programs?

The requirement for direct shipment in duty-free programs is essential because it ensures that the goods are transported directly from the point of origin to the destination without passing through any other country or intermediary that could alter the status of the goods. This practice helps maintain the integrity of the duty-free claim, as it minimizes the risk of transshipment or diversion that could attract customs duties or taxes.

Direct shipment fortifies the eligibility of the products under duty-free regulations, which are designed to promote trade by eliminating tariffs on certain goods involved in international commerce. For goods to qualify for duty-free treatment, customs authorities must be able to verify their journey and their compliance with duty-free protocols, making direct shipment a critical component.

Additional factors like special handling, pre-approval documentation, or third-party verification may play roles in specific duty-free programs or related processes, but they are not universally required across all such programs as direct shipment is. The straightforward nature of ensuring goods are shipped directly aligns with the primary intention of duty-free advantages.