Importing cell phones

T

tco21

Cynical Grinch
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Hi

I apologise if this has already been posted before, can't find it though.

As you've collected from the title, I want to find out about the regulations and protocols for importing cell phones. The intent for this isn't for personal use, rather as a commercial operation i.e bulk quantities of phones.

I know that every cell phone in SA needs to be ICASA certified. My question is what is the procedure for this? Does one need to apply for some sort of permit/ license with ICASA in order to do this, or will an import permit suffice - in which case your forwarding and clearing company deals with the ICASA certification?

If you do need to apply for a license, how do you go about doing it, what will it cost, and how long must you wait for it to be reviewed/approved?

Thanks in advance!
 
Is that for all phones or just for phones being distributed via the local suppliers?
 
You don't need an ICASA sticker. I have imported a few mobile phones but not in bulk. I usually import other electronics. All I paid customs for was VAT and no additional duties. You do need an import code. You can download the 2 documents you need off the SARS site. I can't remember what they are called but if you phone SARS they will tell you. It takes about a month to get the code after your application. Some guys risk importing without a code but if they are asked for one and don't have one they are screwed and will lose their shipment. If you import 1-3 things a year you are ok as long as it is not in a company name. I had a big scare before I got my code and almost lost a lot of stock.

DeFunct have you had to pay any extra duties on the phones you import?
 
DeFunct said:
As I said before, I have never had crap like this. I import the phones, which are in retail boxes, then packaged into another box, sent to SA, arrive at my house, sell them.
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That is 100% illegle, all equipment that has a transmitter and/or receiver must be approved by ICASA.

I do have a comercial radio dealer licence. The reason is that there is a large amount of equipment that is of poor build quality, and these can interfere with decent equipment.

Selling equipment without approval, can land you in jail.
 
Sensorei said:
You don't need an ICASA sticker. I have imported a few mobile phones but not in bulk. I usually import other electronics. All I paid customs for was VAT and no additional duties. You do need an import code. You can download the 2 documents you need off the SARS site. I can't remember what they are called but if you phone SARS they will tell you. It takes about a month to get the code after your application. Some guys risk importing without a code but if they are asked for one and don't have one they are screwed and will lose their shipment. If you import 1-3 things a year you are ok as long as it is not in a company name. I had a big scare before I got my code and almost lost a lot of stock.

DeFunct have you had to pay any extra duties on the phones you import?
Click to expand...

SARS <> ICASA
 
tco21 said:
Note thread:

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=106362

Now, I'm not so sure.
Click to expand...

ICASA will struggle to take a phone away from an end user, and are not really interested in the small fry bringing in 1-5 phones for own use, waste of their time.

However, if you bring in and sell, that is different, and if they catch you, they will confiscate, and even lay a charge.

Simple, your risk
 
Ghost02 said:
How do you get this importers code?
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OK you need to be registered with SARS as you will need your CK number for your application. You also need proof of your business address and a verified copy of your ID. Phone 0860121218 and select option 4. The takes you to import queries at sars. They will tell you what forms you need to fill out. You download these from their website. Take them to SARS and if approved you'll have your code in just under a month. Mine took 4 weeks.
 
Sensorei said:
OK you need to be registered with SARS as you will need your CK number for your application. You also need proof of your business address and a verified copy of your ID. Phone 0860121218 and select option 4. The takes you to import queries at sars. They will tell you what forms you need to fill out. You download these from their website. Take them to SARS and if approved you'll have your code in just under a month. Mine took 4 weeks.
Click to expand...

I don't have a business, I just import alot.
 
Ghost02 said:
I don't have a business, I just import alot.
Click to expand...
You still need a code. They can seize your goods if you have had 3 imports already in the year. You can trade as a sole proprietor but you need a tax number. It happened to me and I had to quickly apply for a code then prove I had applied. Was a hell of a mission. I was very lucky to get my goods back coz they said they usually don't do that but I played dumb and spun a big story.
 
Sensorei said:
You still need a code. They can seize your goods if you have had 3 imports already in the year. You can trade as a sole proprietor but you need a tax number. It happened to me and I had to quickly apply for a code then prove I had applied. Was a hell of a mission. I was very lucky to get my goods back coz they said they usually don't do that but I played dumb and spun a big story.
Click to expand...

So I have a mission ahead of me?
 
I have a problem, I want to start importing cell phones on a mass scale and I want to sell them under my own company's name, I have an importing code as I have imported before but I am not to sure about the laws regarding the importing of cell phones such as the ICASA regulations. Can anyone tell me how one would go about making sure that the imported cell phone is ICASA approved? Apart from the above are there any other permits that I would require for what I want to do? any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!!!:)
 
Open your cell phone, see the ICASA sticker on it?
Now, goto the ICASA website, and get the contact numbers and make contact.

Please note that ICASA has absolutely no interest in allowing you to import these devices, only the selected few have that privilege. And they gained that privilege through paying massive license fee's and, of course, the fluffing of certain individuals pockets.

These select few will of course jump up and down and demand retribution if you are allowed to compete with them.
 
I had my phone imported by Expansys, and there is no ICASA sticker in it obviously. Phone works absolutely perfectly here in SA.
 
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