Need to pay import tax to bring my things from home now?

[wondering1]

We are in the process of bringing our stuff from England and used the company Doree Bonner, they have not been great to say the least.

However, we got an update the say it finally arrived and the removals company in KKTC has said - even thought we were specially told no import tax for your first shipment of used items:-


"If you do not stay in the island longer than 365 days during the last two years
you have right to take duty exemption.
Please kindly note that application must be done in the first six month of the last entrance.
If above is suitable for you , you have right to bring your used personal
& household effects without paying any duty/tax.
You will only pay import license if you have any signaling equipment like TV or radio."


I have emailed them asking for clarity, because on the above basis we are going to be billed to receive all our possessions!

Does anyone have any experience with this or guidance?

Honestly, who is in a position to pay a huge fee like this totally unexpectedly - I really cannot believe this.

[Johnny Lee]

Our customs men were fabulous, full container many new items , we paid in total 25 TL on our TV. They were more interested in a few whiskys and a chat.

[Lovelife]

When we shipped our stuff from the UK around 3 years ago, and if memory serves me right we got our ' ins and outs' from Girne police station which showed how many times we had visited the TRNC. Like JL we only paid tax for our stereo system as it had a radio I think it was around 20 TL.

LL

[kerry 6138]

Container load last year same has love life only paid for TV

[wondering1]

Thank you for your responses, we have exceeded the 365 day limit because our shipping company delayed the shipment by more than twice the agreed time. I have just told them we will try to recover additional costs from them, I don't know how likely this is but I want them to sweat a bit for costing us so much money.

Everyone is liable to pay import tax on the TV/wireless items, but we are going to be liable to pay tax on EVERYTHING now thanks to Doree Bonner.

If the taxes are reasonable then it is a big whatever, 100tl for tvs, 400tl for sofas.....but if they ask for 40% of the new cost or something like that it will be a disaster.

[scubadubaqueen]

It might be time to get a friend or relative involved. That will solve your problem.

[ozankoys]

The only time I have ever heard of anyone paying import tax other than a nominal amount for electrical goods was when they left their shipment at the docks for more than 6 months as their house was not finished.
Wait until you get the figure & if it is high (which I would doubt) go to see the Head of Customs to explain your circumstances.
Have never heard of Doree Bonner but mostly shippers use an agent in Famagusta port to clear imported goods & they always seen to know what they are doing.

[scubadubaqueen]

I don't think the Head of the Customs service in Lefkosa will be very receptive or understanding, but I can guide you to his office. By the time you have been presented with a bill it will be too late to take the necessary evasive action. They have their rules here, so best to fit in with them, if you get the gist, for your container load of personal possessions/secondhand furniture.... If YOUR stay has exceeded their rule book, you will pay.

[kerry 6138]

Taken from BRS website.

Removals from the UK will take around 6-8 weeks and many recommend using a door-to-door service to make life easier. Details of the process of importing your goods can be found on various websites, including www.shelteroffshore.com, www.essentialcyprus.com, www.aboutnorthcyprus.com Customs duty is liable on all imported goods, although it may be waived on used household effects for those retiring to the TRNC, provided they are imported within 6 months of arrival.

Finally please remember to translate the contents of your container into Turkish.

http://www.brstrnc.com/index.php/lifest ... ng-to-move

 

[wondering1]

Thank you kindly for the responses, I am very relieved to here it is likely to be a small fee.

I began to believe we would be charged thousands of pounds as when I ordered a computer component the bill was 40% of the original cost.

The head of customs is a good idea, thank you for the suggestion. I think if we just go and explain the situation there is a possibility he will be in a good mood and show understanding, it can't hurt I suppose (it feels very dangerous saying that lol).

But if it is only minor charges I will be over the moon.

[scubadubaqueen]

Do let us all know what happens then, I mean if you are over your stay, how they are lenient towards you. I do hope others are right and speak from experience. Black & White and all that, not heard of shades of grey.