Customs duty tip.

[beetlefanatic]

Something interesting from the 4x4 forum. Don't know how true it is, but it would be great if it is so.

http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sho ... p?t=207435

"Maybe I'm the only person who didn't know this but if you describe something as a car part, you pay 20% + VAT, but of you describe it as an "engine part" it attracts only VAT.

Collected some automotive electronics today and the fees seemed high so I nervously queried it. I was bounced into the metaphorical room with the naked light bulb and all, and interrogated by an attractive blond woman. "is this an engine part or a car part? (Ve ask der qvestions)" Well, its electronics for an engine, I said. "OK. so it's an engine part?" "I guess so".

Saved me over R700.

I realise now I've overpaid for some previous items, but was so glad at the time to eventually get them, I didn't argue."

[Tony Z]

Wow, will have to try that in the future, thanks for the tip

[acpaterson]

Agreed, very handy to know.

[splitfan]

Thanks Bernie now just give us the details for the " attractive blond woman" and this post would win the internet !

[beetlefanatic]

Thanks Bernie now just give us the details for the " attractive blond woman" and this post would win the internet !

Pleasure dude!

Mamma gaan vir jou bliksem!

[Madbones]

Just be very careful here because if you describe it incorrectly you could also be in for penalties.
This is not quite as simple as stated, unless of course you get lucky or you get it right. The Customs tariff book which determines what item falls where and what duty each item pays is quite specific so you must know what the item is, and then classify it according to the Customs tariff. Please don't be fooled by either car parts or engine parts, life is never that simple sorry. I've spent 35 years in this business and I've seen a lot of people burnt by either underestimating duty or false declaring. So if you are unsure about what part ask any customs agent for advice, or me and I will be happy to post copies of the SARS Customs Tariff relating to vehicles and their parts. Just a heads up here be careful when importing parts.
Regards and Happy Holidays
Madbones

[ECbuggys]

@ madbones would be great if you could post the tariff sheet.

[Riekert]

^^ agreed! Seeing as ive got a parcel stuck at customs currently... its a carb kit. So would be nice to know the fees

[calooker]

Agree with madbones, not so simple. I was charged some big $$$ for what was described as auto parts and miss read as auto paints, by customs, asked for a reassessment, they did, item by item landed up paying more in the end. Another occasion also asked for reassessment, idiots at customs returned it to sender, had to pay shipping again back to SA.

[retrovan]

What has worked for me over the years is....

When I order parts from overseas, I make sure I contact the shipper on his "Contact us" button, and I ask him to add the word "Vintage Car" to each and every description.

ie. coil now becomes Vintage car Coil, Door handle now becomes Vintage Car Door handle

Since then, my Customs bill has been reduced by about half.

May work for you.

Herman