Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule that will extend
the definition of “family members residing in one household” to include
domestic partners. This rule will enable more U.S. returning resident
and non-resident visitor families to file a single customs declaration;
additionally, these returning resident family members may now group
their personal duty exemptions.
The expansion of the term “domestic relationships”, according to Customs
and Border Protection includes foster children, stepchildren,
half-siblings, legal wards, other dependents and people with an in loco
parentis or guardian relationship. This term also refers to two adult
individuals in a committed relationship in which their share financial
assets and obligations, as well as couples in civil unions or domestic
partnerships. This rule goes into effect January 17, 2014.
