Customs gets tough on temporary imports

Re-export within the agreed time frame or pay the penalty THE CUSTOMS authorities have started to levy penalties against temporarily imported consignments which have not been re-exported within the agreed period. The minimum penalty for failing to export goods within this required time frame is R1 000. Deposits are also forfeited, and duty and VAT imposed. Although a major forwarder told FTW that his company reminded clients of the pending expiry of customs provisional payments, he clearly stated that Òthe onus rests with importers to ensure that they strictly comply with the terms and conditions set by customs for such temporary admissionsÓ. Under the rules, such temporary imports are allowed into SA for a maximum period of six months, and deposits have to be lodged with customs to cover likely duty and VAT. If this time-span needs to be exceeded, and an application for extension submitted, this has to be done at least one month before the date of expiry of the temporary admission. But, if nothing is done Ð and the time-span exceeded - the importer will get hit with the customsÕ penalties.