Can my parents bring me a Persian rug from Iran?

December 10, 2013 4:21 PM

(asking for a friend) I am a US Citizen living in the US. My parents are permanent immigrants - they split their time between Iran and the US (California in case that matters). They have visited the US before and while in the US, they live with me -- their US address is the same as mine. Can they bring a Persian rug from Iran for me to keep? If so, what supporting documents will they need when entering the US at LAX?

The rules are a minefield and I'm trying to figure out which rules apply to me. Help!

These links don't make it clear which import rules apply to me and them in this situation.

posted by artlung to Law & Government (6 answers total)

Best answer: From the wordage in those links, it sounds like they could claim it as a (used, time isn't specified) item from their household in Iran to be used at their household in the US, leaving out the fact that it's intended as a gift for their child.
posted by mrrisotto at 4:37 PM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I'd call LAX and talk to someone in customs.
posted by bunderful at 4:39 PM on December 10, 2013 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: blunderful good suggestion -- my friend will do that: LAX website: U.S. Immigration, Customs, etc.
posted by artlung at 4:46 PM on December 10, 2013

Best answer: Nthing to call Customs and ask specifically. My read of the policy was exactly the opposite of mrrisotto's.
posted by Sara C. at 5:01 PM on December 10, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: My friend has not managed to get anyone on the phone at Customs at LAX.

Anecdotally though her father tells of two of his friends in the same situation - one of who has brought a few rugs through San Francisco (SFO) with no hassle, but another friend who just last week brought one through LAX and it is currently being held while they determine the status.
posted by artlung at 11:18 AM on December 13, 2013

Response by poster: Ultimately my friend's parents ended up giving up on this effort. Thanks for the help.
posted by artlung at 3:43 PM on December 23, 2013