Uncle Sam Says No Bulk Buys: Iran Diplomats Need Approval for Costco
Published Date: 9/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government now requires Iran’s UN mission members and their families to get approval before joining or buying from wholesale clubs like Costco and before buying luxury goods in the U.S. This new rule aims to keep a close eye on their purchases and takes effect immediately, with no extra costs for the public. It’s a smart move to keep things transparent and fair!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Wholesale Club Membership Approval Required
The U.S. Department of State requires the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, its members (including Iranian government officials traveling for UN purposes), and their dependents to get Department of State approval before obtaining or keeping membership at any U.S. wholesale club (for example, Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's Wholesale Club) or acquiring items from those stores. The rule also requires them to follow any additional requirements set by the Director or Deputy Director of the Office of Foreign Missions.
Approval Required for Luxury Goods Purchases
The Department of State requires the same group—the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, its members, and their dependents—to obtain Department of State approval before acquiring luxury goods (as defined in the designation) through any means in the United States. They must also comply with any further requirements the Office of Foreign Missions' Director or Deputy Director may establish regarding such luxury goods acquisitions.
Prohibition on Providing Benefits Contrary to Determination
Under section 211 of the Foreign Missions Act, it is unlawful for any person to make available benefits to a foreign mission in a way that violates the requirements of this Determination. Businesses and other persons must not provide benefits to the designated mission contrary to the approval and other requirements set in the Determination.
Good‑Faith Liability Protection for Complying Parties
The Determination states that, pursuant to section 208(b) of the Foreign Missions Act, compliance with the Determination is a full acquittance and discharge for persons making the disclosures or taking actions required, and that no person shall be held liable in court or administrative proceedings for actions or omissions done in good faith in connection with administering or relying on the Act or this Determination. This provides legal protection for persons who act in good faith under these rules.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18387, Designation Pursuant to the Foreign Missions Act
The U.S. government just decided that foreign missions can officially enjoy benefits like joining wholesale club stores and buying from them. This change helps balance perks given to U.S. missions abroad and protects U.S. interests at home. It kicks in right away, making it easier and clearer for foreign missions to access these shopping benefits without extra hassle or cost.
Next: 2025-18389, Designation Pursuant to the Foreign Missions Act
The U.S. government just updated the list of luxury items that foreign missions can bring into the country with special benefits. This includes fancy watches, art, jewelry, and cars over $60,000. These changes kick in right away and could affect how these missions handle expensive goods, but no new fees were mentioned.