Customs

[Sysem]

This is driving me crazy. Trying to find a specific underwater housing for a camera in SA hasn't worked. Amazon has it, and will surprisingly ship it to SA, but I'm worried what I'll be paying for customs. Does anyone know how it works/what the charges are for such an item? Couldn't find anything usefull on the web.

Thanks

[ToxicBunny]

You will pay what Customs figure you should pay.. but it will PROBABLY be around 10% + VAT of the purchase price.. unless camera equipment (which it will be marked as) has a higher duty.

[Le^stat]

Try using Take 2's Amazon import service.

[Sysem]

Try using Take 2's Amazon import service.

Have no idea what that is, but sounds worth looking into off to Take2's website.

[Sysem]

Oh wow, Take 2's Amazon import is way too expensive. Almost double. So unless that's all customs and tax, its a huge markup.

[ToxicBunny]

its a huge markup...

[Sysem]

its a huge markup...

Yeah. If it was 10% + VAT I'd think about it. Take 2 is out the question.
Sofar the best option is finding a friend coming over soon who can get it for me.

[brettwlewis]

If your item is say $500 with $70 shipping charges (at R7:$), I'd expect your best case (i.e cheapest price) to be around the R5k.

If customs calls for the parcel to be formally cleared, add on R500-1000.
If the parcel is stopped for inspection add on R1500-2000.
Both of these eventualities have a slim chance of happening, but I have had the pleasure of both happening to me in the last few years - but I do import products a few times a month for resale purposes.

An underwater enclosure should not attract any duty, if specified under the correct tariff heading.

If you PM me with more details of the product, I'll give you a quote on bringing it in for you. I could possibly put it in one of my existing shipments, for a nominal fee.

[cbrunsdonza]

Oh wow, Take 2's Amazon import is way too expensive. Almost double. So unless that's all customs and tax, its a huge markup.

Is the item sold by Amazon-US themselves or through a partner? If its a partner then it will be more expensive. I'm ordered a couple of things from Amazon via Take2 and its always been cheaper than going direct. Keep in mind that if SARS decides you need a clearing agent, then any saving going direct is wasted.

Also email Take2 and see if they are willing to negotiate.

[Sysem]

Is the item sold by Amazon-US themselves or through a partner? If its a partner then it will be more expensive. I'm ordered a couple of things from Amazon via Take2 and its always been cheaper than going direct. Keep in mind that if SARS decides you need a clearing agent, then any saving going direct is wasted.

Also email Take2 and see if they are willing to negotiate.

Actually Amazon-UK. Not by them directly, its a partner. All the UK based shops that sell this housing, are between £160-£170. Hell of a lot cheaper than R3600. Sometimes I wish I lived in the UK

[brettwlewis]

What camera is it for?

[Sysem]

The Fujifilm F500EXR

[brettwlewis]

The WP-FXF500 casing is not yet available from any of my suppliers, sorry.

And the Seashell SS-1 enclosures we have, look to be too small for the lens on your camera.

[Sysem]

The WP-FXF500 casing is not yet available from any of my suppliers, sorry.

And the Seashell SS-1 enclosures we have, look to be too small for the lens on your camera.

Thanks anyway, looks like a might have a friend in UK coming here soon. While on the topic, if I get a friend to bring the camera + housing over, what would she have to do to avoid duties/tax? I know this will void the warranty, but considering the amount I'm saving, I'm willing to take the risk.

[ponder]

Couldn't find anything usefull on the web.

Did you bother going to the SARS site and downloading Schedule 1 Part1: Customs, Excise and Sales Duties and Surcharges?

If you did you would see camera equipment, accessories and cases are duty free so you will be paying 10% + 14% VAT.