Import Duty and Taxes

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
19/07/2008 22:46

Hi All,



We are thinking of importing from the UK the following.

1 Large corner leather suite.

2 Teak garden furniture.

3 TFT Television.

4 Selection of household items..Kettle, Coffee pot,Saucepans,cutlery, plates,glasses, bedside lamps etc.

All will be new!

Is there a fixed import tarrif, or variable as in UK

Total value about £6000. Anyone know what duty will be payable? Rough estimate?



wyn

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
19/07/2008 22:49

If you are coming to live here permanently and not intending to work there is no duty to pay on all goods for personal use.



If you are importing for use in a holiday home then my reading is you are obliged to pay 40% of the value.

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
19/07/2008 23:27

cyprusishome,



Thanks for your response. We are initially using it as a holiday home, but then hoped to use it as a retirement home. What would be the deciding criteria?



wyn

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
19/07/2008 23:48

Wyn,



I do not know that one.



Best bet for me would be shipping agents. I know Jo tries to plug her firm on here and she may be able to help.



The alternative from my perspective is contact Hurmus at Olaytrans. She is in Gazi Magusa. For us she was absolutely brilliant. Try her for an estimate for transfer and an answer to question, she will not object if you do not use their company. Her and Olay are just.... well... nice people.



hurmus@olaytrans.com



David

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
20/07/2008

We imported a 20 foot container early last year, all new including leather corner suite, flat screen tv etc. all unpacked from original packaging and re-packed to look used. Used Olytrans, customs men came at night to the house and waited until the container was unloaded. Customs men opened various boxes and said that the contents were new, ended up paying £200.00 in tax.

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 00:18

Wyn



Wirebrush the plugs so they look used, put Tippex around light fittings so it looks like they were up on the ceiling etc when it was painted and make all the new stuff look used with some crayon and boot polish.



They tax TV's but little else if it looks not just bought.



Otherwise just smuggle it through Metahan from Larnaca like I do in dribs and drabs!



Lem

Chris


Joined: 26/03/2008
Posts: 454

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 00:40

Hi Wyn,

You beat me to this question, could you let me know what sort of quote you get if you ring Olaytrans??



Chris

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 00:46

Hi Chris,



I only need a part container. When are you hoping to ship?



I will revert with any infomation I get.



wyn

Lemtich



Joined: 15/02/2007
Posts: 1487

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 00:53

I've got these big packs of Strongbow in a golf club case, some more in diving equipment and I'm negotiating a coffin delivery with XL Airlines.



Big chap, died suddenly, loved Strongbow, wanted to be buried in North Cyprus. Weighed quite a bit.



Lem

orangekazzie



Joined: 31/07/2007
Posts: 1091

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 02:20

Wyn we made the mistake of leaving our stuff in the original boxes and were charged import because the items looked new. You get conflicting information from different people. I personally think it all depends on the mood of the Customs on the day.

We were told to only have one passport stamped that way we would have two stabs at importing. When at the Customs office they asked for both of our passports and stamped them both. As with everything else in TRNC what is right one day is changed completely the next.

You could be lucky and get it all through with no charges on anything. I would suggest that you make everything look as if its "used" and not pack in original boxes just to be on the safeside.

Karen

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 08:21

Do not know if it is the method we used.



Olay from Olaytrans did all the work for us with customs. We obviously had to go with him to sign things. Other than that he did all the talking etc.



On delivering goods, Olay came with his team and the customs people and guided us through the whole process again. We had packed some totally new items and some almost new in their original boxes as that is the safest means of packing. They did check the LCD TV and computer that they had been used ie marks on plugs and sockets.



The problem is as always a small number of people spoil it for the rest by bringing in new goods for sale, trying to avoid duty payments. Customs therefore look closely at everybodies goods.



In general, if you are of retirment age and obviously not going to be working you are safer than young people who are either going to work or have the age potential to work. the law is quite explicit on that point. If retired there should be no charges.

ilovemydogs



Joined: 20/04/2008
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 09:01

jo and olytrans are together. and it is more than £2000 . i was quoted £3500 then insurance another £500 on top. not worth the bother

Jo Valentine


Joined: 10/02/2008
Posts: 508

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 10:46

Hello Wyn

It's good to hear that with all the problems you're having you are able to think of moving in.

Most of what has been said above is correct, but not all.

And in line with the normal practice in North Cyprus, the regulations are only ever written in pencil !

You are allowed one duty-free shipment EACH, but only if you keep your spouse out of the paperwork completely and act as individuals.

We must make the goods look used (re-package, remove all labels, kick original boxes around the garden, put outdoor furniture outside to 'weather' -that sort of thing. Duty payable on TVs regardless of vintage.

First job is to 'quantify' your goods, and I will Email you an inventory sheet to make that easier. If you phone me we can talk it through.

Kind regards

Jo

http://www.jamesvalentineremovals.co.uk

watty


Joined: 04/04/2008
Posts: 77

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 11:26

Hi Wyn



If you decide to send a container over use Olytrans direct no use in paying for someone in the uk to do something you can do yourself.



Olytans £2400



Agent £3500 +



That's a lot of Effes

Chris


Joined: 26/03/2008
Posts: 454

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 12:32

Hi Wyn



Hoping October ish - as it will not be quite as hot, small furry ginger cat to apease!! - She is really looking forward to being locked in a box for about 8 hours, this is definitely not a stay at home sit on your knee sort of animal!!



Hope you are both well, and looking forward to drinking you under the table - have you put one in the builders hut yet, and what colour did you decide on the curtains, the telecommunication satellite contraption you joy rigged looks a bit sussy, but as long as we can e-mail somebody to bring more effes it should be ok, as long as nobody sneezes and knocks it down of course!



Chris

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 14:03

Chris,



Anyone can see this ia a 5* builders hut. Even a four poster on the roof for honoured guests.

Don't know about the cat though, don't want it upsetting the goats. Have you and John chosen which wing you prefer? The east wing is nearest to the latrenes. On the question of Effes

One of the lads said he was going to get plastered the other night, I thought I was in for a treat. I didnt realise until he pulled his trowell out,that he was doing his homework.



You will like it there! October eh! Better get some fresh straw,



Take care,



wyn

Chris


Joined: 26/03/2008
Posts: 454

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 15:26

I prefer mine in a glass, but thanks for the offer of new straws!!







Dont worry about the goats, they wont see her coming, John says goat meat is very tasty!!



Have you put in the barbie yet??



John says he will bring seasoning

diggy


Joined: 07/08/2007
Posts: 41

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 18:57

Hi Wyn,



Just reading your note about a container. do you believe this a cheaper option than buying the furniture in TRNC? after you have paid all the shipping and import costs? We hadn't considered it as we would also be shipping new items.



Brian

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 19:41

Brian,



I tried to find the items I wanted in the TRNC but I had difficulty.



I am reconsidering in view of the importing costs and duties.I just could not find exactly what I wanted.



wyn

diggy


Joined: 07/08/2007
Posts: 41

Message Posted:
20/07/2008 19:49

Hi Wyn



We are going out in a weeks time and have arranged to meet someone who takes you shopping for furniture, you pay the shop price to them. They then buy the items (presumably at a discount- hence how they make their money) and then they arrange for them to be delivered to your property and all set up, packaging disposed of, beds made, curtains hung ready for when you come out for your next visit.



We haven't promised that we would definately buy anything as we don't know what sort of prices we are talking about. That's why we are interested in the containers so that we could compare the two.



Brian

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
21/07/2008 02:24

My dear Diggy i see you have fallen for the 'tout option' you think that they are the only ones who get discount, its easy just ask they will give the same to you.



Fancy the same furniture as other people, touts use the same shops, ie the ones they get the best back handers from.



Remember my dear friend here in the TRNC there is definately #No free lunch#

Jo Valentine


Joined: 10/02/2008
Posts: 508

Message Posted:
21/07/2008 15:22

Hello Wyn

It's good to hear that with all the problems you're having you are able to think of moving in.

Most of what has been said above is correct, but not all.

And in line with the normal practice in North Cyprus, the regulations are only ever written in pencil !

You are allowed one duty-free shipment EACH, but only if you keep your spouse out of the paperwork completely and act as individuals.

We must make the goods look used (re-package, remove all labels, kick original boxes around the garden, put outdoor furniture outside to 'weather' -that sort of thing. Duty payable on TVs regardless of vintage.

First job is to 'quantify' your goods, and I will Email you an inventory sheet to make that easier. If you phone me we can talk it through.

Kind regards

Jo

http://www.jamesvalentineremovals.co.uk