Release after examination. Unaccompanied tourist shipments:

To which the personal exemption provided in subheading 9804.00.70, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) (19 U.S.C. 1202), is applicable, or

For which entry is made under the flat rate of duty provisions of subheading 9816.00.40, HTSUS, or under those provisions in conjunction with the regular rate of duty provision of another subheading of the tariff schedule, shall be released if:

The shipment is properly marked and accompanied by a validated copy of Customs Form 255,

The examining Customs officer is satisfied that the contents of the shipment are as stated on the Customs Form 255 and, if applicable, that they are properly classified,

The declared value conforms to the fair retail value in the country of acquisition, and

In respect to shipments for which entry is made under subheading 9816.00.40, HTSUS, any duties found to be due are paid.

Removal of Customs Form 255. The copy of Customs Form 255 attached to the shipment shall be removed by the Customs officer and retained for Customs purposes.

Missing Customs Form 255. If a validated copy of Customs Form 255 does not accompany the shipment, entry shall be made under the provisions of part 141 or 145 of this chapter.

Restricted or prohibited shipments. No shipment containing prohibited or restricted merchandise for which exemption is claimed under subheading 9804.00.70, HTSUS, or for which entry is claimed under subheading 9816.00.40, HTSUS, shall be released except upon compliance with the provisions of part 12 and §§ 145.51 through 145.59 of this chapter, and other applicable laws and regulations.

Verification of claim. The port director may withhold release of any shipment for which exemption is claimed under subheading 9804.00.70, HTSUS, or for which entry is claimed under subheading 9816.00.40, HTSUS, to verify the validity of the claim. If he is unable to verify the claim, the merchandise shall be released under the provisions of part 141 or 145 of this chapter.