Thread: Import Duty

If it is a gift then there is no duty . So get your dad to say it is a presant for you or get him to wrap it in brithday paper and bring it in . Also second hand stuff does not have duty on it so the other option is to take it out of its packaging and throw that away.

sounds good.
Do u think that gift rule would apply in most countries?

Yeah pretty much , same as the second hand stuff

If it's under a certain $ limit then no duty. Even if it's over they sometimes let you off. I have brought in lots of electronics and never paid. But if you stagger up with fifteen boxes on your back wearing a "CapeLandy Computer Shop Pty" t-shirt expect to pay duty.

Just a caution that most of the advice above is based on Australia, and may not apply to South Africa, which may have acquired more restrictive policies during sanctions to preserve foreign exchange.

However, most countries have a general duty free allowance which is likely to cover it, and most also allow the traveller anything that would reasonably be carried by a traveller outside this allowance - things such as cameras etc, which I suppose could include a GPS. But you would be well advised to get definite advice from your Customs Department, although you can probably get a good idea from an experienced travel agent.

John

Thanks.
I will give customs a ring this morning and probably have to ask the question at least 5 times before reaching the correct official - T.I.A

Now, Colorado 300 or 60CSx???

Originally Posted by CapeLandy

My old man is visiting in Germany and I asked him to get prices on the Garmin 60 CSx and Colorado 300.
The 60CSx came in at Euro 329 = ZAR 4025
Here the same thing goes at ZAR 5600

I was wondering if it could be legally brought into the country in ones luggage or would you need to get rid of the box and stick it in your pocket.
The old man is a bit nervouse to bring it here in case customs nail him for duties.
If one does have to pay duties, what percentage of the value is typical. I have looked on our govornment websites but can't seem to find the info.
Thanks in advance.
James

I just happen to have a copy of the SA customs tariff in front of me and electronic goods such as gps units are duty free, i know they used to be really strict on imports coz a mate wanted me to bring a midi hifi system into SA for him but it was un economical.

just scored a brilliant deal right here in RSA.
Got the Colorado 300 for ZAR 3,700 through dealer discount from one of our subsidary comapnies who I didn't even know get a dealer discount.
Just have to pay a few extra Rands (R260)to unlock the topographical maps for Southern Africa