Importing a notebook

[Speedster]

I'm looking to get myself a new notebook and realise they're considerably cheaper overseas. I have a couple of friends coming to visit from all over in December, so getting it here shouldn't be an issue. Only thing I can't seem to get a handle on - what would the import duties be?

I heard somewhere that they're import tax free, can anyone confirm this?

 

[Archer]

If it passes through customs as part of someones luggage then its +20% on all items as long as the imported items are less than R15000. And the first R3000 is duty free.

So if the notebook costs $1000 then at customs its R7500 (assuming R7.50 exchange rate). So then you pay 20% of R4500 (7500-3000) which is R900

 

[Speedster]

If it passes through customs as part of someones luggage then its +20% on all items as long as the imported items are less than R15000. And the first R3000 is duty free.

So if the notebook costs $1000 then at customs its R7500 (assuming R7.50 exchange rate). So then you pay 20% of R4500 (7500-3000) which is R900

Thanks Archer. I don't mean to be difficult, just really want to get to the bottom of this. Do you have anything confirming your interpretation?

I'm no expert but looking up some stuff on the interwebs this morning it seems as if notebooks fall under tariff code 8471.30: Portable automatic data processing machines, of a mass not exceeding 10 kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display. From this website it seems to be free of import duties - http://www.cargoinfo.co.za/customs/search.asp

Does that mean I can have a friend bring it into the country without having to pay any fees?

 

[Jola]

I'm no expert but looking up some stuff on the interwebs this morning it seems as if notebooks fall under tariff code 8471.30: Portable automatic data processing machines, of a mass not exceeding 10 kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display. From this website it seems to be free of import duties - http://www.cargoinfo.co.za/customs/search.asp

Yes, but it's not free of VAT, and this is charged at 14% of 110% of the value.

You can elect to pay the above, or, if worth less than R15000, 20% of the value over R3000 (free allowance).

If it's valued at over R15000 then you don't have an option, it will get taxed at 14% of 110% of the value.

It works out at approximately the same, depending on the value (you can work it out).

Reference : http://www.sars.gov.za/Tools/Documents/DocumentDownload.asp?FileID=57671

 

[Speedster]

Yes, but it's not free of VAT, and this is charged at 14% of 110% of the value.

You can elect to pay the above, or, if worth less than R15000, 20% of the value over R3000 (free allowance).

If it's valued at over R15000 then you don't have an oprion, it will get taxed at 14% of 110% of the value.

It works out at approximately the same, depending on the value (you can work it out).

Thanks Jola - that clears it up quite a bit!

Are you sure about the figures though? 14% on 110% works out to 25% of the value.

 

[Jola]

.14 * 1.1 = .154 or 15.4%

 

[Archer]

Thanks Archer. I don't mean to be difficult, just really want to get to the bottom of this. Do you have anything confirming your interpretation?

The fact that I've personally done it four times now confirms my interpretation. Two of those four times I brought in a notebook.

 

[Speedster]

.14 * 1.1 = .154 or 15.4%

@Jola - sorry, made a booboo in my excel calculation. So, on a R10 000 import it is R1400 (20% on R7000) or R1540 (14% on 110%).

For future reference, it is cheaper taking the 20% option up to a value of R13 043.48

Seems like you took the right option Archer!

 

[Archer]

@Jola - sorry, made a booboo in my excel calculation. So, on a R10 000 import it is R1400 (20% on R7000) or R1540 (14% on 110%).

Yes that is correct. Cheaper to take the flat 20% option up to R13k

 

[Aureus Tech]

Hi Speedster

If your friends are bringing the notebook over I don't think there should be any duties due to the fact that the item would be opened. If you want to import the item you will be liable for the 14% VAT on the item (R500 or more).

We offer the option to assist you in importing a laptop from overseas as we use DHL International Express. You can save a huge margin if you import, but remember the warranty will be void in South Africa (except Asus)

www.aureustech.co.za

 

[Speedster]

Hi Speedster

If your friends are bringing the notebook over I don't think there should be any duties due to the fact that the item would be opened. If you want to import the item you will be liable for the 14% VAT on the item (R500 or more).

We offer the option to assist you in importing a laptop from overseas as we use DHL International Express. You can save a huge margin if you import, but remember the warranty will be void in South Africa (except Asus)

www.aureustech.co.za

Thanks. You realise the Macbook Airs on your website are more expensive than from the "real" dealer.

 

[killadoob]

Dude don't worry about import duties unless they are bringing their own laptops as well, if not then just open slap it in the hand luggage and your good to go.

I went to europe with my lappie and nobody asked me to pay anything nor did i go and declare i had anything. They could also pack it in their main luggage. This obviously is not ideal but it does work.

 

[carstro]

My friend bought one iphone from hong kong ,cheaper than ourtown,but be caught to pay the tax when came back ,really sad

 

[Aureus Tech]

Thanks. You realise the Macbook Airs on your website are more expensive than from the "real" dealer.

Please be aware that these prices are 'estimates' of the RRP in South Africa once Core ships them. The 'real' dealer being Apple US I presume.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Bluray]

Once the device is opened and used you can walk through our customs which I have done on numerous occasions.

 

[Archer]

Once the device is opened and used you can walk through our customs which I have done on numerous occasions.

Yes, 9 times out of 10 you cant walk through customs. But if they had stopped you for a search then the fact that its opened would count for zero and you would have to pay up.

 

[killadoob]

Yes, 9 times out of 10 you cant walk through customs. But if they had stopped you for a search then the fact that its opened would count for zero and you would have to pay up.

You sure about that? I think it is the other way around if you have unpacked the item.

 

[Archer]

You sure about that? I think it is the other way around if you have unpacked the item.

Scenario one where you are a returning citizen: "where is the form you were meant to fill in proving that this item was in your possession before your departure to country X?" End result: you pay.
Scenario two where you are a visitor: "Fill in this form and provisionally pay the tax. You will have the tax refunded upon your departure when you show the form and item in question." End result: you pay.

Thats what happens when they search your stuff and find expensive things.

 

[killadoob]

They searched my bag numerous times and never said a thing about my laptop.

 

[Archer]

Thats what is meant to happen in terms of the law. There will obviously be lots of stories about how people get through anyway. Heck, I've had one incident where I had 2 brand new laptops and a whole bunch of other stuff. Then the guy told me I was the first honest individual he had seen all day so I could write down whatever number I wanted. I saved around R1000 on taxes that day.