Import duties on knives.....?

**ZenbaaS** · 25-04-2010, 18:45

Hi all.
Nice to be here.

I was wondering if anyone could maybe please give me some information on what costs involved are with respect to importing a knife from USA....?

Ive tried to look everywhere but with little success. The SARS website was of little use as well.

Any input will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Zen

**ZenbaaS** · 28-04-2010, 15:56

Anyone...?

**BandK** · 28-04-2010, 16:09

I'm also interested in an answer to ZenbaaS's question.

**WagterEC** · 28-04-2010, 20:14

Hi

Phone your local customs officer. Home Affairs or the airport could help you or SARS could help you, sometimes there are duties on stuff, sometimes not. You write a letter stating what and where your importing and the decide on a rate.

**Bushbaby** · 28-04-2010, 21:23

I've imported a few knives and each time it's different?! I don't ask too many question, I just smile and pay...

The duties are charged at and by my local post office, where I know the folks well. What I can tell you is that I have always found it cheaper to import than to buy the same knife at a business in SA!

**BandK** · 28-04-2010, 21:35

Bushbaby,

Are there any websites / sellers that you can recommend?

**ZenbaaS** · 29-04-2010, 06:58

Well I'll be importing 1/2 knives over the next month or so. I'll let you guys know (for interest sake) what the FEE ends up being.

Here is the link to the supposed fees that should be imposed.
Scroll down to category 82.11 and click on the + signs to open up the sub-categories. Then click on the description to get the import duty tariff which opens in another window.

If you can figure it out, then please post it here.:) Thanks

**Buffalo Hump** · 29-04-2010, 09:34

It can vary quite a bit. I'm not sure of the exact formula but they pretty much take the amount that the knife is valued at (as stated on the invoice or customs form), convert it to rands, multiply it by X% (anything between 20 and 40% depending on the mood of the customs official at the time). They then take that figure, add 14% VAT to it, then add a 'clearance' fee to that and you get your total.

The mystery percentage is the problem. It seems to move around a lot, depending on whether the item is perceived as a 'luxury' or something that is essential to your work.

You could try calling SARS and asking them, I have heard that you do get lucky on occasion and find someone with half a clue within that Kafka-esque organisation. Personally I prefer to avoid dealing with govt officials whenever humanly possible.

**ZenbaaS** · 29-04-2010, 17:25

Originally Posted by Buffalo Hump

It can vary quite a bit. I'm not sure of the exact formula but they pretty much take the amount that the knife is valued at (as stated on the invoice or customs form), convert it to rands, multiply it by X% (anything between 20 and 40% depending on the mood of the customs official at the time). They then take that figure, add 14% VAT to it, then add a 'clearance' fee to that and you get your total.

The mystery percentage is the problem. It seems to move around a lot, depending on whether the item is perceived as a 'luxury' or something that is essential to your work.

You could try calling SARS and asking them, I have heard that you do get lucky on occasion and find someone with half a clue within that Kafka-esque organisation. Personally I prefer to avoid dealing with govt officials whenever humanly possible.

This is what pisses me off completely. They just make it up as they go along. The actual guidelines seem so confusing that it becomes difficult to challenge them on anything because you yourself don't understand what the hell is going on.