Homeland Security Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations by adding the Republic of Malta (Malta) to the list of countries whose pleasure vessels may be issued U.S. cruising licenses. The U.S. Department of State has notified CBP that yachts used and employed exclusively as pleasure vessels and belonging to any resident of the United States are allowed to arrive at and depart from Maltese ports, and to cruise in Maltese waters without complying with formal entry and clearance procedures. Therefore, CBP is extending reciprocal cruising privileges to Maltese-flagged pleasure vessels.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection 19 CFR Part 4 [CBP Dec. 26-18] RIN 1651-AB68 AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations by adding the Republic of Malta (Malta) to the list of countries whose pleasure vessels may be issued U.S. cruising licenses. The U.S. Department of State has notified CBP that yachts used and employed exclusively as pleasure vessels and belonging to any resident of the United States are allowed to arrive at and depart from Maltese ports, and to cruise in Maltese waters without complying with formal entry and clearance procedures. Therefore, CBP is extending reciprocal cruising privileges to Maltese-flagged pleasure vessels. DATES: This amendment is effective October 29, 2026. These reciprocal privileges became applicable for Malta as of June 10, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: W. Richmond Beevers, Chief, Cargo ( printed page 68029) Security, Carriers and Restricted Merchandise Branch, Regulations and Rulings, Office of Trade, (202) 325-0084, ccrbranchcomments@cbp.dhs.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Under 46 U.S.C. 60504 , the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) may allow foreign-flagged yachts used only for pleasure to arrive at and depart from U.S. ports and cruise in U.S. waters without paying any duties or fees, provided that the President is satisfied …
Citation: 91 FR 68028
