J1 RATION CONTROL PROGRAM
Home Welcome to the USFK J1 Ration
Control Program web site.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do we need a ration control program?
- What is an Issuing Agent? Who is my Issuing Agent?
- What are my limits?
- How much liquor can I purchase?
- Is beer/wine considered liquor?
- How much beer can I purchase?
- How much wine can I purchase?
- My parents who are non-military are coming to visit me in Korea. Can they shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- My spouse is coming to visit me in Korea. Can he/she shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- Both my spouse and I decided to visit Korea. Can we shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- If my monthly commissary limit is $950 per month and I only spend $700 in January, can I spend $1200 in February?
- I'm having a promotion party and anticipate needing 4 units of liquor. My limit is 3. What do I do?
- My boss asked me to purchase $500 worth of food from the commissary for our unit's annual picnic. I don't want this $500 to apply towards my monthly limit. What do I do?
- What is a "show cause" letter? What happens if I get one? What do I do?
- Is gas rationed?
- Is heating fuel rationed?
- What are shelf limits?
- What do I do if I suspect someone of violating the ration control program or committing acts of black-marketing?
- How do I get a temporary ration control card?
- How do I get a permanent ration control card?
- My son is 9 years old. Does he need a ration control card?
- I'm active duty. Do I need a ration control card?
- I'm an un-remarried widow. Am I eligible to have a ration control card?
- I'm serving in the Australian Army on temporary duty to United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (or Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, United Nations Command, or the UNC Liaison Group). Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a US citizen employed by DoD (or NAF agency). Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am an invited contractor. Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am an active member of the US Reserve component? Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am retired military. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a Korea government service (KGS) employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a dependent of a civilian employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I retired from the Reserve component. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a member of the Reserve component, visiting Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- I am a dependent, living with my military sponsor in Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- How do I gain access to the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- My family and I just arrived in country. Do I need a ration control card to shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
- What is a unit of liquor?
- What if I lose my ration control card?
- How long is a temporary ration control card good for?
- How do I apply for a ration control card?
- How long does it take to get a permanent ration control card?
- I completed my ration control card application three weeks ago and still haven't received my card. My temporary ration control card expires in a week. What do I do?
- What documents are required to receive my ration control card?
- How do I apply for a gas ration control card?
- What is the governing directive for the ration control program? Where can I get a copy?
- My commissary /AAFES privileges have been revoked by area commander. What do I do now?
- Can I loan my ration control card to a friend who lost theirs?
- Can I buy a computer as a gift?
- Who runs the ration control program?
- What is the Black Market Working Group (BMWG)?
- I received a show cause letter that I exceeded my commissary limit. I believe this is an error. What should I do?
- The cashier did not ask for my ID and/or ration control card. What should I do?
- While standing in cashier line, I noticed what looked like someone in front of me making a purchase that exceeded the posted shelf limit. What do I do?
- I am an invited contractor. Do I have to attend the new comer orientation class before receiving a ration contol card?
- My sponsor cannot order or pick up my ration control card for me, what should I do?
- What information should I put on the short term Exception to Policy memo?
- I am a retired U.S. military member drawing full retirement pay and benefits. Do I need a permanent visa to receive a regular ration control card?
- I am a retired U.S. military member drawing full retirement pay and benefits. I am visiting Korea. Can I get a ration control card?
- I am a dual status retiree. What is my ration control card expiration date based on?
- I am a surviving spouse of a U.S. military member. Can I get a ration card?
- I purchased a GPS and then it was stolen from my car. I want a replacement GPS but am afraid to purchase one because it will be regarded as "in excess of personal needs" since I only own one vehicle. Do I need to show the police report when I come to the store?
- I bought an 8 GB iPod some months ago, but now I want the 16 GB model. I guess I will have to order it online because J1 might consider that I must have sold one if I upgrade.
- How are we going to purchase Christmas presents at the PX to ship to our kids in the states without looking like we are purchasing "in excess of personal needs"?
- We don't have a Unit Ration Control Card (URCC). How are we going to get supplies for our Unit without it showing up on someone's ID as excessive purchases?
- If we use the Unit Rational Control Card (URCC), we have to complete extra paperwork, so our Unit is going to start purchasing all our supplies online.
- I don't want J1 to know how much money I transfer to my family in the Philippines each month. What am I going to do?
- It's no one else's business that I had to pay for a bounced check. I don't want J1 to have that information.
- I quit buying _________ because I would hate for my wife/boss/son/friends to know what I buy.
- I don't want anyone to know what I buy, so I will do all my shopping online.
- Why do I have to have my ID card scanned when I am just buying a cup of coffee at the Shoppette?
- I support my family in the Philippines and buy them necessity items and clothing; now, I am afraid people will think I am black marketing?
- I donate to a local orphanage, and I am worried about being watched for black marketing.
- Our unit only has one ration card, and I don't want to give it to our LN associates to send to the PX for unit purchase.
- If my ID card is scanned at the register during a purchase, why am I being asked to show my Ration Card and ID card to gain entrance to the facility?
Answers
1. Why do we need a ration control program?
The Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Republic of Korea (ROK)
requires US to make reasonable and practical efforts to control access of unqualified
persons to duty free goods. It also requires US to "prevent abuse" of this duty
free privilege.
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2. What is an Issuing Agent? Who is my Issuing Agent?
Issuing Agents are individuals established by area commanders within geographical
areas to administer the Ration Control Program at an intermediate level. Click here for Ration Control Issing Agent Listing
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3. What are my limits?
Your limits can be found here.
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4. How much liquor can I purchase?
Defined as any beverage that contains 20% or more alcohol by volume. Individuals
may purchase 3 units per month. Families may purchase 5 units per month. To receive
the "family " size ration there must be two adults (age of 21 or older) in the family.
One bottle (fifth, quart, or liter) counts as one unit. A 1.75 liter bottle counts
as two units.
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5. Is beer/wine considered liquor?
No. Liquor is considered any beverage with 20% or more alcohol by volume.
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6. How much beer can I purchase?
Eligible patrons at least 21 years of age may purchase no more than eight (8) cases of beer per month per family.
The beer limits are monthly and not cumulative from month to month.
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7. How much wine can I purchase?
There is no limit on wine purchases.
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8. My parents who are non-military are coming to visit me in Korea. Can they shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Sorry, the answer is no. There are no provisions in the Status of Forces Agreement
to allow non-dependents to purchase items at the commissary and AAFES facilities.
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9. My spouse is coming to visit me in Korea. Can he/she shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes, if he/she is registered in the DBIDS.
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10. Both my spouse and I decided to visit Korea. Can we shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
If you are active duty or retired military both you and your spouse can shop at
the commissary and AAFES facilities after both of you are registered in the Defense
Biometric Identification System (DBIDS).
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11. If my monthly commissary limit is $950 per month and I only spend $700 in January, can I spend $1200 in February?
Sorry, the answer is no. The dollar limits are monthly and not cumulative from month
to month.
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12. I'm having a promotion party and anticipate needing 4 units of liquor. My limit is 3. What do I do?
You may request a short-term exception to policy.
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13. My boss asked me to purchase $500 worth of food from the commissary for our unit's annual picnic. I don't want this $500 to apply towards my monthly limit. What do I do?
The purchases should be made against the unit or organization's Ration Control Card.
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14. What is a "show cause" letter? What happens if I get one? What do I do?
A memorandum sent to the unit command, adjudication Authority, and the individual
indicating that the individual has exceeded their monthly commissary or alcohol
limits. This report is for individuals who have exceeded their dollar limits by
more than 5%. Personnel receiving a "show cause" letter must contact their area
support group commander to adjudicate the violation.
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15. Is gas rationed?
Gasoline is rationed if it is bought as carryout fuel. The ration limit for carryout
fuel is 5 gallons per day. Otherwise gasoline is not rationed.
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16. Is heating fuel rationed?
The installation commander sets heating fuel limits in writing. Limits will be posted
at appropriate locations for patrons to see. Heating fuel can only be purchased
by individuals authorized access to duty free goods after presentation of the appropriate
access documents. Gas ration control card cannot be used to purchase heating fuel
(kerosene).
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17. What are shelf limits?
These are limitations specifying the number of items or dollar amount that can be
purchased during a specified time period for a given product.
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18. What do I do if I suspect someone of violating the ration control program or committing acts of black-marketing?
Report the offense(s) to the installation law enforcement agency or call Black Marketing
Hot Line (DSN) 738-5118 or (Commercial) 02-7918-5118.
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19. How do I get a temporary ration control card?
Individuals authorized a Temporary Ration Control Card may obtain one through their
supporting area Issuing Agent.
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20. How do I get a permanent ration control card?
Individuals authorized a Permanent Ration Control Card may obtain one through their
area supporting Issuing Agent.
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21. My son is 9 years old. Does he need a ration control card?
The answer is no. In order for a dependent to get a minor ration control card, he/she
must be 10 years of age or older.
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22. I'm active duty. Do I need a ration control card?
The answer is no. The Status of Forces Agreement allows active duty military access
to duty free goods.
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23. I'm an un-remarried widow. Am I eligible to have a ration control card?
Yes, if you are registered in the DBIDS.
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24. I'm serving in the Australian Army on temporary duty to United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (or Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, United Nations Command, or the UNC Liaison Group). Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
The answer is yes.
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25. I am a US citizen employed by DoD (or NAF agency). Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes, provided you are not an ordinarily resident in the ROK and work 20 hours or
more per week or 40 hours or more within two weeks.
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26. I am an invited contractor. Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Full-time invited contractors and their family members, may be granted access to
duty-free goods under the terms of the SOFA, when they have been properly designated
in accordance with USFK Reg 700-19. However, under no circumstances can a contract
grant access privileges that are broader than this regulation or the SOFA.
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27. I am an active member of the US Reserve component. Can I shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes, provided you are assigned to a military organization in the ROK.
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28. I am retired military. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes. The Status of Forces Agreement allows you access to duty-free goods.
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29. I am a Korea government service (KGS) employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
No, unless you are a GPC cardholder and have a GPC ORDER & RECEIPT form detailing
the specific items to be purchased and signed by the appropriate Approving Official.
Otherwise you are not authorized to shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities.
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30. I am a dependent of a civilian employee. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
31. I retired from the Reserve component. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes, provided you are receiving full retirement benefits.
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32. I am a member of the Reserve component, visiting Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Sorry, the answer is no. There is no provision in the Status of Forces Agreement
that allows visiting Reserve component members access to duty-free goods.
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33. I am a dependent, living with my military sponsor in Korea. Can I shop at the commissary/AAFES facilities?
Yes, if your sponsor is entitled access to duty-free goods.
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34. How do I gain access to the commissary/AAFES facilities?
U.S. military active duty members or active reservists will need to present their
military ID card to gain access. All others that are eligible for duty-free goods
privileges will need to present a valid ID card with their ration control card.
If you just arrived in coutry, please see question 38 for more information.
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35. My family and I just arrived in country. Do I need a ration control card to shop in the commissary/AAFES facilities?
For permanent party, newly arrived dependents can use their dependent ID card and
a copy of their sponsors orders to gain access to the commissary and AAFES facilities
for 30 days after their arrival in country. After 30 days the dependent must either
present a temporary or permanent ration control card. All others should consult
their local issuing agent. Click here
for Ration Control Issing Agent Listing
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36. What is a unit of liquor?
One bottle (fifth, quart, or liter) counts as one unit. A 1.75 liter bottle counts
as two units. A pint is 0.5 of a unit.
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37. What if I lose my ration control card?
Applications for replacement ration control cards, either permanent or temporary,
must have the unit commander, first sergeant, or civilian equivalent's signature
and be forwarded through the area commander or designated representative for final
approval along with Military Police Report (DA Form 3975) or Statement of Witness
(AF Form 1168).
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38. How long is a temporary ration control card good for?
30 Days, reissued up to 90 days.
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39. How do I apply for a ration control card?
If you register in the DBIDS, you are also registered in the Raton Control System.
The USFK will require all military, civilian or contractor personnel including children
under 10 years of age, be registered in the DBIDS it because DBIDS registration
will constitute registration for ration control
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40. How long does it take to get a permanent ration control card?
It depends on the geographical location. Please ask your supporting issuing agent.
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41. I completed my ration control card application three weeks ago and still haven't received my card. My temporary ration control card expires in a week. What do I do?
Notify your area supporting issuing agent.
Click here for Ration Control Issuing Agent Listing
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42. What documents are required to receive my ration control card?
Please click here for information after being properly
registered in DBIDS.
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43. How do I apply for a gas ration control card?
Gas ration control cards are only issued to Korean nationals who perform undercover
surveillance to support law enforcement investigative efforts. Applications for
gas ration control cards will be made by memorandum along with a copy of SF 50 (Notification
of Personnel Action) through the area commander and the servicing IA to FKJ1-DM.
The requestor must be the unit commander or civilian equivalent.
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44. What is the governing directive for the ration control program? Where can I get a copy?
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45. My commissary /AAFES privileges have been revoked by area commander. What do I do now?
If your privileges have been revoked by your area commander, you cannot access any
commissary or AAFES facility ROK-wide. Upon completing of the revocation period,
the offender may request reinstatement of privileges. Such a request must be made,
in writing, to the area commander who revoked your privileges.
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46. Can I loan my ration control card to a friend who lost theirs?
No. To do so is punishable under the UCMJ or provisions of your employment contract.
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47. Can I buy a computer as a gift?
If the recipient is SOFA personnel, the answer is "YES". If the recipient is non-SOFA
personnel, please contact FOREIGN GOODS TRANSACTION OFFICE for more information.
Gifts/transfer of duty-free and tax-free goods are covered by USFK Reg 643-1 and USFK Reg 643-2.
Gifts/transfer of duty-free and tax-free goods are covered by USFK Reg 643-1 and USFK Reg 643-2.
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48. Who runs the ration control program?
The Assistant Chief of Staff J1, Data Management Division.
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49. What is the Black Market Working Group (BMWG)?
BMWG is an organization that identifies negative black marketing trends and develops
recommendations for the Generals Council on Black Marketing to counter these trends.
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50. I received a show cause letter that I exceeded my commissary limit. I believe this is an error. What should I do?
Please contact your local issuing agent.
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51. The cashier did not ask for my ID and/or ration control card. What should I do?
Report it to the manager of the facility. Note: Uniform personnel are not required
to show a ration control card.
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52. While standing in cashier line, I noticed what looked like someone in front of me making a purchase that exceeded the posted shelf limit. What do I do?
Notify the manager of the facility, or call the installation law enforcement office
or call Black Marketing Hot Line (DSN) 738-5118, (Comm) 02-7918-5118.
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53. I am an invited contractor. Do I have to attend the new comer orientation class before receiving a ration contol card?
Invited contractors are not required to attend the new comer orientation class unless
it is stipulated in their contract to receive a permanent ration card.
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54. My sponsor cannot order or pick up my ration control card for me, what should I do?
If the sponsor cannot order or pick up the card, a power of attorney or TDY order
is required to be presented to the issuing agent.
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55. What information should I put on the short term Exception to Policy memo?
A short term Exception to Policy memo requires a commander's signature with the
following informaiton: what months the exception covers, amount of additional ration
limits (dollar or units) being requested, and their full name and last four of SSN
with contact information.
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56. I am a retired U.S. military member drawing full retirement pay and benefits. Do I need a permanent visa to receive a regular ration control card?
The answer is yes. A passport with valid visa and military ID card must be presented
to be entered into the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) to allow
access to military installations in Korea and determine privileges. This applies
to retirees and their family members. When a retiree applies for a ration control
card, the issuing agent checks DBIDS. The DBIDS expiration date for non-SOFA retirees
is based on the expiration date of the current permanent visa in their passport.
This is true for all visa categories except the C-3 Tourist visa. The ration control
card is issued with an expiration date based on the DBIDS expiration date. Retirees
with a valid permanent visa are issued a ration card based on the DBIDS expiration
date or a maximum of two years, whichever is shorter.
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57. I am a retired U.S. military member drawing full retirement pay and benefits. I am visiting Korea. Can I get a ration control card?
The answer is yes. Retirees living in Korea who use the visa-free entry or the C-3
Tourist visa, and who are entering, departing within the required 90-day maximum
stay, and immediately re-entering Korea, are not eligible to obtain a regular ration
card. However, they can get a temporary ration card valid for 30 days, after which
they can renew the card two times for a total of 90 days. That synchronizes the
ration card eligibility with the 90-day limit of the visa-free and C-3 visa and
with the DBIDS expiration date. Visiting retirees and accompanying family members
must also register in DBIDS and fall under the same rules for temporary visits.
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58. I am a dual status retiree. What is my ration control card expiration date based on?
Dual-status retirees -- that is retirees who work and who have a SOFA visa -- have
their DBIDS expiration based on the contract period expiration date in their Letter
of Employment or USFK Form 700-19A. This is the date used by Korean Immigration
to issue the SOFA visa for Invited Contractors and Technical Representatives. Their
ration control card validity is based on the DBIDS expiration date.
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59. I am a surviving spouse of a U.S. military member. Can I get a ration card?
If you are an un-remarried surviving spouse of a deceased U.S. military member,
you can get a ration control card. Surviving spouses of U.S. military members have
the same restrictions applied, whether visiting or living in Korea. U.S. citizen
surviving spouses would use their U.S. passport with permanent visa and military
ID card to enter DBIDS, following the same rules as full retirees to receive a permanent
ration card for one year. Korean citizen surviving spouses receive the ration card
based on passport expiration or a maximum of one year. Those Korean citizens without
a passport use their Korean citizen's ID card and military ID card to be entered
into DBIDS and obtain a permanent ration card for a maximum of one year.
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60. I purchased a GPS and then it was stolen from my car. I want a replacement GPS but am afraid to purchase one because it will be regarded as "in excess of personal needs" since I only own one vehicle. Do I need to show the police report when I come to the store?
The purchase of an additional GPS would not constitute "in excess of personal needs".
When determining "excess purchases", the shopping data across all categories and
over periods of time are examined. A purchase of an additional model of an item
will not trigger any flags.
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61. I bought an 8 GB iPod some months ago, but now I want the 16 GB model. I guess I will have to order it online because J1 might consider that I must have sold one if I upgrade.
The purchase of an additional iPod would not constitute "in excess of personal needs".
When determining "excess purchases" the shopping data across all categories and
over periods of time are examined. A purchase of an additional model of an item
will not trigger any flags.
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62. How are we going to purchase Christmas presents at the PX to ship to our kids in the states without looking like we are purchasing "in excess of personal needs"?
We are aware of the shopping trends during the holidays and expect to see an increase
in purchases, especially around Christmas. When determining "excess purchases" the shopping data across all
categories and over periods of time are examined.
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63. We don't have a Unit Ration Control Card (URCC). How are we going to get supplies for our Unit without it showing up on someone's ID as excessive purchases?
All units in Korea are encouraged to apply for the URCC since every sale transaction requires the
scanning of a DoD ID card or manual input of individual/unit ration control card number. You may contact
your local area Issuing Agent for a URCC application.
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64. If we use the Unit Rational Control Card (URCC), we have to complete extra paperwork, so our Unit is going to start purchasing all our supplies online.
After the card has been ordered, no additional paperwork is required for two years when using a URCC
to make approved purchases on behalf of the unit. No paperwork is required at the register, and the
purchaser need only show the appropriate ID card and the URCC. The application (USFK Form 42-4-E, Unit Ration Card Data System
Application) is one page and is available at http://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/g1_AG/Programs_Policy/Publication_Records_Forms.htm.
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65. I don't want J1 to know how much money I transfer to my family in the Philippines each month. What am I going to do?
Money transfers, bounced check payments, and other Star Card payments are not sent to J1.
J1 does not receive this data and has no wish to track this type of information.
This system is designed to combat the potential for black marketing and enforce ration limits only.
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66. It's no one else's business that I had to pay for a bounced check. I don't want J1 to have that information.
Money transfers, bounced check payments, and other Star Card payments are not sent to J1.
J1 does not receive this data and has no wish to track this type of information.
This system is designed to combat the potential for black marketing and enforce ration limits only.
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67. I quit buying _________ because I would hate for my wife/boss/son/friends to know what I buy.
A comprehensive privacy and release-of-information policy has been drafted that addresses this issue.
Your detailed purchase data is stored in an accredited and secured database. With probable cause, law enforcement
may request full access to the data. Unit Commanders may only request monthly summary totals for individuals.
Family members only have access to summary totals for the last six months. All others are NOT permitted to access
records other than their own.
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68. I don't want anyone to know what I buy, so I will do all my shopping online.
A comprehensive privacy and release-of-information policy has been drafted that addresses this issue.
Your detailed purchase data is stored in an accredited and secured database. With probable cause, law enforcement
may request full access to the data. Unit Commanders may only request monthly summary totals for individuals.
Family members only have access to summary totals for the last six months. All others are NOT permitted to access
records other than their own.
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69. Why do I have to have my ID card scanned when I am just buying a cup of coffee at the Shoppette?
With the implementation of AAFES' Point of Sale system, all purchases at an AAFES retail facility require an
ID card scan or input of a ration control card number.
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70. I support my family in the Philippines and buy them necessity items and clothing; now, I am afraid people will think I am black marketing?
Purchasing items for family in the Philippines does not constitute black marketing since the necessity items are not
introduced into the ROK economy for resale or otherwise. Black marketing is considered an illegal transfer of duty-free goods
to an unauthorized patron within the ROK.
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71. I donate to a local orphanage, and I am worried about being watched for black marketing.
Donation to a local orphanage is considered to be a welfare gift IAW USFK Regulation 643-2. A welfare gift is a gift
of new or used clothing, prepared food, beverages, or other relief items donated by USFK personnel or organizations,
which will enhance the welfare of individuals or institutions (e.g., schools, orphanages, churches, hospitals, or representatives),
cared for by service, charitable, or relief organizations. Purchasing items as welfare gifts does not constitute black marketing.
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72. Our unit only has one ration card, and I don't want to give it to our LN associates to send to the PX for unit purchase.
As the Unit Card Holder, you have the right to retain the unit card and make all approved purchases on your unit's behalf.
However, it does mean that you will need to make purchases or escort the purchaser.
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73. If my ID card is scanned at the register during a purchase, why am I being asked to show my Ration Card and ID card to gain entrance to the facility?
Some people may have access to the post or base but are not authorized to have access to duty-free goods.
To show that you are authorized to have access to duty-free goods, a ration and ID cards check is required at the door.
In order to enforce ration limits and combat black marketing, all customers must be uniquely identified. This
can only be done at the register through an ID card scan or a ration card number input.
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