Importing / Duties

[xtc]

Hi Guys

Looking at buying a few lures etc overseas that i cannot seem to source locally. I understand that fishing items are duty free. Is this correct? Should I get the overseas shop to add the local customs code on the invoice itself or is it good enough that they just list the names of each item or mark it fishing goods - have a feeling that something called  bucktail or lead head might cause some confusion. Will most likely be ordering from basspro as they seem to have the best selection of the shops I looked at. If there are better suggestions the info would be appreciated - thanks all

[Homie]

Chef,
I will send you the correct Tariff heading that you can use to ensure no duties are paid. Let me just sort out a quick meeting !

[xtc]

Hi Homie - thank you - much appreciated

[Quickbite]

They should mark the package as a "GIFT" worked for me :)

[xtc]

haha yeah - i think the basspro packaging might be a dead give away though - but if its duty free anyway then can just as well do correctly - just worried the names of the items might confuse someone there - would rather put the correct codes on and avoid the hassle of being incorrectly assessed as to fix from there is a pain in the ..... me thinks

[BigG]

Hi Chef, only terminal tackle is duty free, but you still pay custums vat when it arrives
Package must be clearly marked as fishing line / terminal tackle

[Homie]

9507.10.00 3    Fishing rods                                              Free Free Free Free     
9507.20.00 8   Fish-hooks, whether or not snelled              Free Free Free Free     
9507.30.00 2   Fishing reels                                               Free Free Free Free   
9507.90.00 4   Other
The Tariff headings are in red
This applies for
FISHING RODS, FISH-HOOKS AND OTHER LINE FISHING TACKLE; FISH LANDING NETS,   BUTTERFLY NETS AND SIMILAR NETS; DECOY "BIRDS" (EXCLUDING THOSE OF HEADING 92.08   OR 97.05) AND SIMILAR HUNTING OR SHOOTING REQUISITES:

Hope this helps

[xtc]

Hi Homie - thank you

[Angus]

I just collected a set of Carbontex washers I ordered from the UK, from the Post Office.
 
The Tarriff Code was 9507 90 00 and I had to pay R33.00 ( R21 Vat and R12 Clearance Fee)

[BigG]

9507.10.00 3    Fishing rods                                              Free Free Free Free     
9507.20.00 8   Fish-hooks, whether or not snelled              Free Free Free Free     
9507.30.00 2   Fishing reels                                               Free Free Free Free   
9507.90.00 4   Other
The Tariff headings are in red
This applies for
FISHING RODS, FISH-HOOKS AND OTHER LINE FISHING TACKLE; FISH LANDING NETS,   BUTTERFLY NETS AND SIMILAR NETS; DECOY "BIRDS" (EXCLUDING THOSE OF HEADING 92.08   OR 97.05) AND SIMILAR HUNTING OR SHOOTING REQUISITES:

Hope this helps

Reels and rods are not exempt, you still pay import duties on them as far as i know, i had to pay on some items i brought in, when i spoke with a manager at DHL who deals with this on a daily basis, he told me only fishing line and terminal tackle is exempt, but you still are liable for customs vat

[Homie]

Hey Gavin,
Not too sure hey, as far as i can see, it should not incur duty 
I'll confirm and get back to you.
My company publishes the Import Tariff books, and provides all the software that SARS needs to clear cargo. DHL, fed-ex etc all use our software.

[Angus]

I have so far had to pay on Braid imported from the UK as well as reels imported from the US.

[Homie]

I have so far had to pay on Braid imported from the UK as well as reels imported from the US.

Hey Angus, trust me its a common occurrence, I myself vowed never to import stuff again ! The problem is that when importing anything, to use the correct Tariff Heading.

[BigG]

Hey Gavin,
Not too sure hey, as far as i can see, it should not incur duty 
I'll confirm and get back to you.
My company publishes the Import Tariff books, and provides all the software that SARS needs to clear cargo. DHL, fed-ex etc all use our software.

Cool, that's useful to know

I imported some reels rods and other goodies, had to pay on everything

Any line be it braid or mono i have never paid import duties, as long as i specify fishing line

Would be nice if you can clarify, it's great to have contacts on UA   

[Capt. Hook]

No import duties on reels and rods. I have imported severl times. Just use correct tarrif headings.

Basically import duties are there to protect local manufacturers.

[xtc]

correct codes the way to go im sure - have brought in stuff before and sometimes duty free and others not - sometimes though they just add the duty and the first you find out is when you collect it - if i understand it correctly the only way to resolve it then is to have it re assesed which involves resending back to jhb - this = just more added costs and time - im happy to pay what i must pay but do not wanna get dutied incorrectly just becasue the invoice says lead head which will not easily be related to fishing unless you know - thanks again homie for the fishing codes

[benniejordaan]

You do not need to give them the tariff code. They will label when they hand it over to the shipper, and that should just read fishing tackle. Fishing tackle does not carry duties. If I'm not mistaken, reels carry duties though!!
DO NOT LIST ANYTHING AS A GIFT! It is unnecessary and customs has become wise to that trick.

Have them post it, it's the cheapest option! The post office will calculate your cost for you being VAT and customs handling charge. That's it. It isn't complicated at all!!! Basspro shop will do what they already know to do. So just go for it, place the order and don't worry!

If customs is unsure, they will call you!

P.S. I bring in a few things from time to time!

[benniejordaan]

BTW, I would also like to get some stuff from there, could I share the shipping with you?

[xtc]

yes of course - sent pm

[xtc]

Hi - just a follow up

from ordering to delivery took about a week - 2 days before delivery I got a call from Fedex to say that the parcel had been pre cleared by them with customs - what was added was VAT and and clearing fee of R150 - i paid into their account and goods were received a few minutes back - the invoice on the outside did not use the customs codes I sent through to them but did say fishing accessories and supplies - so all in all was duty free and pretty quick - thanks again for the help and suggestions