Customs Duties and Import Fees

[ZahraaMcChicken]

Guys, I ordered make up from the US because it's not available in SA. The total for the purchase was R769 excluding shipping. Shipping was a further R332 and I was told they rarely charge customs for smaller parcels, it gets through. So today I woke up to a call from FedEx saying that I need to pay R760 in Custom and Import duties. I read other threads where it was exorbitant amounts for clothing but didn't come across one with make up! I ordered a few things from China before and it was never stopped at customs. Is this normal???

 

[Napalm2880]

Guys, I ordered make up from the US because it's not available in SA. The total for the purchase was R769 excluding shipping. Shipping was a further R332 and I was told they rarely charge customs for smaller parcels, it gets through. So today I woke up to a call from FedEx saying that I need to pay R760 in Custom and Import duties. I read other threads where it was exorbitant amounts for clothing but didn't come across one with make up! I ordered a few things from China before and it was never stopped at customs. Is this normal???

Yes.

 

[Saber_rider45]

Guys, I ordered make up from the US because it's not available in SA. The total for the purchase was R769 excluding shipping. Shipping was a further R332 and I was told they rarely charge customs for smaller parcels, it gets through. So today I woke up to a call from FedEx saying that I need to pay R760 in Custom and Import duties. I read other threads where it was exorbitant amounts for clothing but didn't come across one with make up! I ordered a few things from China before and it was never stopped at customs. Is this normal???

Make up has a 20% duties and don't forget to add the 14% vat, when importing goods make sure you check if what you importing attracts duties.

 

[reactor_sa]

Make up has a 20% duties and don't forget to add the 14% vat, when importing goods make sure you check if what you importing attracts duties.

Plus FedEx customs clearing fees.

 

[AlphaJohn]

I think normal stopping point is $50 US below that it normally just goes through.

On $50+ its [VAT] + [sundry charges] + [Customs] + [Clearing agents] fee.

Depending on the items imported sundry and customs can go from virtually nothing to double the items value.

 

[alanlesley]

if the value is under 300rand then you wont have to pay duties. i think.

 

[AlphaJohn]

Guys, I ordered make up from the US because it's not available in SA. The total for the purchase was R769 excluding shipping. Shipping was a further R332 and I was told they rarely charge customs for smaller parcels, it gets through. So today I woke up to a call from FedEx saying that I need to pay R760 in Custom and Import duties. I read other threads where it was exorbitant amounts for clothing but didn't come across one with make up! I ordered a few things from China before and it was never stopped at customs. Is this normal???

Sorry for you Cosmetics fall under Ad Valorem

 

[ZahraaMcChicken]

I wish I knew this before ordering it! The seller doesn't even ship to SA so I had to create an account with my US just for this purpose.
I just assumed that it would get through normally just like the other packages... Boy was I in for a rude awakening!

 

[dalkill]

I ordered a few items on Wish this year.. small quantities for personal use not resale.
Nothing expensive...

some items arrived no import duties... fidget spinners and batteries.

Sat i collected 3in1 usb home charger. Item cost $2 (R27) and shipping $1 (R13.50). Customs duties was R24.

So i'm guessing, if you import something work on 60%+ on customs.
Not sure if customs on item price only or price + shipping ??

 

[Venomous]

The R24 is a handling fee for checking the parcel.

There is a thread somewhere that people were posting in over the weekend...

 

[bromster]

1) Textiles have 40% duty because "Why are you buying clothes outside SA instead of supporting the local economy?"

2) FedEx and major shipping companies must remain tax compliant and will always declare the correct values on items.

3) A person can receive two gifts per calendar year, of which the value must not exceed R1400 for each parcel on which the duty will be rebated. (excl. Wine Spirits, Tobacco, Perfume)