What is involved in importing BMW parts from overseas?

[AdiS]

Hi Guys,

Please can someone give me a breakdown of exactly what is involved cost and logistics wise for importing parts from overseas, let's say, the US.

I am interested in:

• Shipping Costs
• Shipping Time
• Duties and Taxes (VAT and other?)
• Customs Admin/Issues

Let's assume one is ordering from somewhere like Turner Motorsports.

Thanks,

A

 

[jlr]

Hi

Are we talking multiple parts, like a business, or a once off, every now and again thing. If now and again, then:

The shipping cost, really depends on the item. I imported a convertible roof from Texas, and the shipping was about $250.

The time, is quick, depending of course on the shipping method. Normally two to three weeks. If customs seizes the item, and wants proof of payment, you can add another week.

You will be charged VAT at 14% and the relevant import tariff, which ranges from 0% (electronic stuff) to 25%.

If sent via the post office, the post office will charge you a R35 clearance free.

 

[moranor@axis]

0% to 30% on car stuff if you buying from someone who will change the value or make it gift dont mess around on expensive stuff as you will cry if they take it away...

TMS have a shipping calculator like most online shops...

 

[Bayn46]

The big gaping whole in the process is once it lands in SA. Ordered something from the UK, which was shipped to SA via standard international post...two months later and I still hadn't received it, even though I knew it had landed in SA.

Had the items resent via DHL international, had it two days later. So another factor will be which shipping method/company you use. Obviously the better ones are more expensive, but if the SA postal service "lose" that parcel, you have to hope the supplier will resend the item.

 

[skank]

Only send it via a recognised courier or it will never turn up.

I have found that ordering expensive stuff is easily offset by flying there yourself and bringing in home in your luggage....

 

[AdiS]

Thanks for the responses so far. Yea i was just wondering for things like parts every now and then if its worth it or not, all things considered.

 

[netercol]

Thanks for the responses so far. Yea i was just wondering for things like parts every now and then if its worth it or not, all things considered.

hell yeah its worth it.. i have lost count of all the spares i have brought in for all my various cars..

SOME common stuff not worth it, but most are..

 

[AdiS]

Thanks for the responses so far. Yea i was just wondering for things like parts every now and then if its worth it or not, all things considered.

hell yeah its worth it.. i have lost count of all the spares i have brought in for all my various cars..

SOME common stuff not worth it, but most are..

Cool! Care to share any tricks on how to do it in the most efficient way?

 

[Twinz]

Or order through the Sponsors on this forum that import regularly :thumbs:

 

[Adi]

Have been ordering from overseas suppliers and from ebay, have once used courier at great cost, otherwise always post office, have always received my post office parcels. highest duties paid was on the courier shippment.

 

[kabal]

Have been ordering from overseas suppliers and from ebay, have once used courier at great cost, otherwise always post office, have always received my post office parcels. highest duties paid was on the courier shippment.

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