Import value limits before needing a permit.

[CJB85]

Hi guys

I am no tax/import guru, so I don't trust my own online research.
Can anyone confirm what the limitations are (for both single purchase and in a 12 month period) in terms of value and or number of purchases before needing an import permit?
I completely accept that VAT will be charged at entry, but I do not want a situation where the items for other people in a group buy are detained or confiscated because I have bought too many goodies in the last few months.
If there is an annual limit, does that apply to a financial year, or to a rolling 12 month period?
Uncle @Rob Fisher you probably buy the most from abroad, any advice here?

 

[Cornelius]

I will get back to you, asked to Guru's

 

[Rob Fisher]

Hi guys

I am no tax/import guru, so I don't trust my own online research.
Can anyone confirm what the limitations are (for both single purchase and in a 12 month period) in terms of value and or number of purchases before needing an import permit?
I completely accept that VAT will be charged at entry, but I do not want a situation where the items for other people in a group buy are detained or confiscated because I have bought too many goodies in the last few months.
If there is an annual limit, does that apply to a financial year, or to a rolling 12 month period?
Uncle @Rob Fisher you probably buy the most from abroad, any advice here?

I have never had an issue and I have imported a ton of stuff! I don't want to post values but it has been a LOT with no problem.

 

[CJB85]

I have never had an issue and I have imported a ton of stuff! I don't want to post values but it has been a LOT with no problem.

100% Uncle, no need to post values.
I was just concerned because I took a GB on my account last year in August that was around $630, another couple of smaller ones later that year and a $300 one recently. Looking at some early indications the next GB will easily be more than the $630 from last year, so do you think I will be fine?
It will all be DHL, so true parcel values will be reflected and unto Caesar will be rendered what belongs to Caesar...

 

[M.Adhir]

I was told the limit was either 30k or 50k over the course of a year.

This was info a year or so ago so could now be outdated.

Its luck of the draw though. Sometimes you will never get asked for importers permit etc.

 

[CJB85]

I was told the limit was either 30k or 50k over the course of a year.

This was info a year or so ago so could now be outdated.

Its luck of the draw though. Sometimes you will never get asked for importers permit etc.

I also saw the 50k limit today, along with a whole list of other limitations that can be brought in without paying VAT on them (although their value contribute to the total value of a parcel in terms of when VAT becomes applicable, I think). Like I said, I just don't trust my own research as I know that tax laws usually need to be read in conjunction with multiple other sections of the act and regulations to get the 100% picture.

 

[Cornelius]

Hi

This is legally
Hello Corne,


As a non registered vendor with Sars using the general purpose code (70707070) you are allowed 3 shipments per annum of a value not exceeding R50000.00 per shipment.


Hope this is the information you are looking for.


Kind regards

However it is as @M.Adhir stated, luck of the draw. Most guys on this Forum import much more than this without any issues.

 

[CJB85]

Hi

This is legally
Hello Corne,


As a non registered vendor with Sars using the general purpose code (70707070) you are allowed 3 shipments per annum of a value not exceeding R50000.00 per shipment.


Hope this is the information you are looking for.


Kind regards

However it is as @M.Adhir stated, luck of the draw. Most guys on this Forum import much more than this without any issues.

Okay great!
Last question... is the per annum a rolling 12 months, calendar year or financial (tax) year?

 

[Cornelius]

calendar year

 

[Rob Fisher]

100% Uncle, no need to post values.
I was just concerned because I took a GB on my account last year in August that was around $630, another couple of smaller ones later that year and a $300 one recently. Looking at some early indications the next GB will easily be more than the $630 from last year, so do you think I will be fine?
It will all be DHL, so true parcel values will be reflected and unto Caesar will be rendered what belongs to Caesar...

Yip you should be fine. I did a massive group buy once before and the amount was insane!