This fact sheet applies to any individual to bring goods into the country from external countries for home use. It illustrates commonly used terminology and how the import clearance system works, and other vital information required for any visitor or current country resident. This fact sheet also contains a section of frequently asked questions and their responses to provide a personalized and comprehensive report. The act through which goods will be brought into the country is called importation. The party or individual importing these goods is called the importer.
Every good imported into the country is subject to clearance by the Customs Agency and the Department of International Trade. These authorities are in place to ensure that goods that enter the country meet the standards for importation and that they do not pose any risk. Both agencies are responsible for assessing goods in what is termed clearance (Khudzhatov, 2021). This process is mandatory for any goods entering the country, from commercial to online shopping. Since the goods are attributed to the importer in an AS-IS specification, they are referred to as personal goods to be used at home. These are items, such as commercial products and personal effects for the importer, that they intend to use personally at home and not in a business situation. Personal goods may be: (i) bought online or through mail order; (ii) sent or gifted to an importer (iii) bought overseas and sent back separately, or (iv) personal items being returned to the country.
What personal products am I allowed to bring inside the country from abroad?
Importers can bring personal effects such as the apparel they will be wearing and other clothing items they bought while abroad. Importers can also import foods if they meet the importation standards. If foods are classified as a risk, they are subjected to a government assessment, including testing. Personal gifts can also be imported if they align with the import regulations. Other household effects, including machinery parts, vehicles, ships, and aircraft, may be imported to the country.
Am I subjected to an import clearance when I am a citizen returning to my country?
Yes. Everyone is subjected to an import clearance if they are visitors or citizens of the country returning from overseas. An import clearance refers to the processes where the information on imported goods is provided to the Customs Agency and the Department of International Trade, payments are made, screening is completed, and the goods are authorized for entry. This means that whether you are a citizen or not, you will be required to avail your goods for an import clearance to ensure that your goods are in line with the specifications of the country.
Will my goods be subjected to the exact charges as other goods?
No. There are different recommendations and valuations attributed to different goods. Your goods will still be subjected to a customs value irrespective of how those goods came into your possession. Therefore, you will be required to pay a stipulated amount, although the amount may be different due to the underlying additions or deductions that may be applied. The customs officers will conduct a detailed valuation to determine the exact customs value your goods will be assigned.
I am still confused about how I will go along clearing my goods for home use. Are there different options?
Yes. There are several options for clearing goods for home use. The following are the avenues applicable to every individual entering the country, be it a visitor or a citizen:
- Border clearance. This option applies to a customs clearance whereby the supplier is part of the arrangement. For instance, goods are purchased online and delivered to the importer’s home through courier services. It is important for the buyer to always check the terms of sale to see whether this option is available if they want to go with it.
- Agent border clearance. This option applies to any importer who agrees with an international agency such as a moving company. These companies will often provide recommendations for door-to-door delivery services for individuals returning from abroad. It is wise to check if the agent offers border clearance as part of their services to prevent confusion and further delays.
- Personal clearance. In some cases, individuals may have the right information and documents to clear themselves at the customs counter. This option is available for individuals who are confident about the procedures and have all the right information to proceed by themselves. The Customs Agency, in conjunction with the Department of International Trade, will be there to assist the individual throughout the process.
- Online clearance. In some cases, an individual may intend to import goods regularly. Therefore, online clearance is the most suitable approach, saving time and money. However, for one to be accorded this option, they need to register as Frequent Importers to provide information about the types of goods they will be importing to calculate a standardized rate.
Although the above clearance processes are different, they depend on product specifications, such as the value and type of goods, whether they are sent to the buyer after purchase, or if they are being brought back to the country.
How many authorities will I have to go through during the clearance of my goods?
The Customs Import Policy designates three parties as key participants in goods clearance. The first one is the ‘importer’ who can clear the goods themselves through the help of the Customs Agency. If this is not the case, the importer is expected to provide the right information to the agents who conduct the clearance on their behalf. The second part is the ‘agent,’ an individual or organization that understands the requirements of what goods are allowed into the country. Such parties are equipped with the right software and expertise to work with government agencies in clearing goods. It is always recommended that importers engage with agents if they are unsure about the procedures, rules, or regulations regarding importation and clearance. The final party is the government, represented by the Customs Agency and the Department of International Trade. These agencies assess the goods and ensure that they meet the specifications identified in the Customs Import Policy. They also conduct evaluations to determine the customs value of products before authorizing goods into the country.
If I decide to engage an agent on my behalf, will I be responsible for anything later?
Yes. The importer is still responsible since any declarations made by the agent on their behalf will be reverted to them. This implies that the importer is liable for any penalty or added duties that the agent may incur during clearance. For instance, if payment is not made by the stipulated date, the importer is liable for additional duties. The same applies to further actions taken on the goods, such as treatment or testing. In such cases, the importer is expected to pay the extra charges. It is often wise to stay in touch with the agent during the clearance process to ensure that everything is accounted for to prevent further penalties.
When am I liable for the clearance application?
There is no defined time for the importer to apply for clearance. However, there are several recommended avenues importers can use. First, an importer can apply for clearance before goods arrive in the country. This avenue is meant to prevent unnecessary delays. Second, it is wise to apply for clearance within 15 days of the arrival of goods.
How much am I required to pay to clear my goods?
Clearance costs vary because different types of weights of goods have been assigned different customs values. In some cases, some goods will be exempted from clearance charges. However, this only applies to goods such as personal effects being returned from abroad. On the other hand, online shopping attracts a customs duty and is assigned the value of a specific custom that determines its clearance cost. In such cases, importers must pay a duty, which is the government tax on imported goods calculated on the customs value of goods in US Dollars. They will also pay a 10% Goods and Services Tax calculated in US Dollars for the goods plus the payable duty and freight or insurance charges an importer is expected to pay.
Are there any extra charges that I should be aware of?
Extra charges are only applicable in special scenarios, such as when an importer is asked to avail of their products on an electronic declaration. The importer is liable for an additional Import Entry Fee (IEF) in such cases. However, there are no extra charges beyond the IEF, except the penalties that may be assigned following other finable incidences, such as the provision of wrong information.
Reference
Khudzhatov, M. B. (2021). Problems of customs clearance of foreign goods in documents. Business Strategies. Web.