Help needed with IMPORT DUTY code

[Mamba]

Hi guys
My spare parts are stuck at customs and apparently a new rule was introduced recently where I need a import duty code to release my goods. Now it is no problem for me to apply for such a code but I do not have time to wait for SARS to generate and or approve such a code in my name.

Can any of you guys help me with a code to release the goods, all import duties and taxes has already been paid, I just need the code at this stage, I think..!

Much appreciated

 

[Jandre]

Hey Mamba.

I had the same issue the other day. They started asking me for an importers code when i was still busy making payment.

I told them that this is a once off import, and I am not planning on bringing more stuff in.

They gave me the gap.

See if you can convince them.

 

[Rooi_Willie]

Hi guys
My spare parts are stuck at customs and apparently a new rule was introduced recently where I need a import duty code to release my goods. Now it is no problem for me to apply for such a code but I do not have time to wait for SARS to generate and or approve such a code in my name.

Can any of you guys help me with a code to release the goods, all import duties and taxes has already been paid, I just need the code at this stage, I think..!

Much appreciated

I think this code refers to the category into which the items fall. Being electronics, car parts or whatever to determine the tax/duty bracket.

look at : LINK

Do a search and you should get the code.

I may be wrong :rollsmile:

 

[Mamba]

thanx
I have contacted them and asked about the "once off" import.

The code list is very nice but this is just the list to get the tax bracket from, not the personal or company import code. The way I understand it is that one has to register as importer in the future to get shipments in. This is my second shipment for the year but when I phoned SARS she said it might have to do with the value of the parcel as well, R54k shipping included..

The import duties I paid worked out at 19% import plus the 14% VAT, still a hell of a lot cheaper than my local agent.

 

[calypso]

Well lets hope this doesn't becoming commonplace. I get a few things every month, though they are small things.

 

[zaleonardz]

project shift is a registered importer

 

[Twinz]

R54K will raise their attention. Hope you can solve it.

 

[JENICH]

I ordered a service kit yesterday so hope they dont ask me for a code:fencelook:

 

[Mamba]

I think I realize my mistake this time, if the order goes above R20k then the rules change.

Will try and sort it out today, will let you guys know, but the obvious thing to do is to register as a importer for the future.

 

[protegetech]

The problem u are having is because of the amount of the goods. U will need to obtain an importers code, just fone SARS and they will tell u which documents to get and it takes about 2 weeks I think, after that u will need to go through a clearing agent for clearing large orders

PS. Remember SARS tracks your name after numerous imports that have large amounts, so u can't always get away from them

 

[Mamba]

I spend a few hours today at the SARS office and in the end I will register as importer. It was never my plan to avoid to pay any taxes or whatever, all that I can not get is what will be the difference when I have the permit or not, both ways I would pay VAT and tax, so no skin of my nose, register and then I can import legally with no problems, bargain.

Work around for now is to use an agent, cost me R980 so hopefully tomorrow everything can be sorted and I can receive my parcels, again I do not get this, VAT and TAX stay exactly the same only difference is somebody else use their import code...



...

 

[Rommies]

I had the exact same problem with my strut braces I'm importing from the U.K

TNT phoned me (about this import code thing) and told me just to sign a declaration and indemnity form just to verify I'm importing for personal use and not reselling stuff etc.

 

[Mamba]

The helpful guy at DHL told me it was the value that is the problem, but some or other changes came into effect on the 24th August.

Funny thing is I was standing at DHL at the airport when the DHL driver phone me from my house gate with a delivery of two sockets I ordered valued at R2500 ready to deliver, so low value = no problem, high value = all kinds of problems

...

 

[Burgy]

Mamba, pm me the details of the transaction, maybe I can help

 

[maximus]

Here's some info from the mybroadband.co.za forums;

Hi, I'm new. Anyway here is something new I learned this weekend. It concerns most internet shoppers.

Apparently SARS customs have changed the rules of personal importation (ie buying stuff overseas and having it shipped here by mail or courier), however they have not made this new information public. I only found out about this after UPS faxed me a rather strange fax about registration codes for SARS Customs.

If you're a private individual and you import (for personal reasons) more than 3 consignments per year OR their total value is above R20.000 you need to be registered with SARS. The registration is free. However importing more than 3 items (even if they don't incur any duties) or if their total cost exceeeds R20.000 per year, and not having a registration customs code, means you are breaking the SARS Customs and Excise regulations and therefore are breaking the South African law. Ignorance is not a defence.

To register you must go to the SARS website
http://www.sars.gov.za//ce/registration/importer/registration_importer.htm
and print out the two forms on that site and submit them together with
proof of address (letter head with your name and addy) and a certified copy
of your ID/passport to your local SARS Customs office. In Cape Town, this is in Hans Strydom Ave.

This registration is not only for importer-resellers, who must provide CC numbers and proof of registration of business as well but also for private individuals who are importing DVDs, CDs, games etc for personal use.

I confirmed this with both Cape Town Customs and also their Head Office in Pretoria. Their Pretoria person told me that unless you have a code you may only receive a 4th item if you PAY A DEPOSIT (in her own words) to customs until you have such a registration code. The Cape Town guy however told me, that you merely need to keep the receipt of submission of registration to the customs should they detain your next shipment.
It takes 3 weeks to get a number.

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Here's also some info;

http://www.ens.co.za/newsletter/briefs/09_02_09 01 01lr0902LAW_AL_6.pdf

 

[maximus]

Oh, the mybroadband post was date in August 2005.

---

Here's the link;

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/archive/index.php/t-25113.html

 

[Nic_s]

Oh, the mybroadband post was date in August 2005.

---

Here's the link;

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/archive/index.php/t-25113.html

---

But that was in 2005 already, why is it only coming to light now? Further more, and I should just point out that I still know very little about this, I assume the code is to help sars track who imported what and how much? If you don't have that code then how would they know?? Possibly linked to your ID? But then why need the code?

Just more red tape for the citizen to be burdened with, although SARS sometimes do get it right.

 

[Luis Malhou]

I have a Import and export company and use an agent for shipments. However I recently brought in spares from USA for the 850 on my personal name, paid tax and all ok. Seems I have one more shipment left for the year then, after that I am just bringing it under my company.

Small story, I imported a used dash for E12 530 from AUSTRALIA, under my company. Had to get a special licence for R250 for that item only because it was used and charged 20% customs and vat.

DASH R1100, FREIGHT R8500 and R2500 was customs and VAT. Funny thing was the Customs was charged on the freight too!!

 

[Mamba]

Funny thing was the Customs was charged on the freight too!!

This is just an inconvenience for the present moment, I refuse to pay dealer prices so I will register as importer as soon as possible.

Funny how the DHL guy also told me no duties on transport but yet they taxed me on the full amount

 

[protegetech]

SARS charges on the full amount on the invoice on many occasions, sometimes not