Importing

MNM7

Hi

I know there have been numerous topics regarding importing musical insturments and gear. What i want to know is just under what category a guitar effects pedal like say the nova system falls, according to customs.

thanx

Danny-B

There aren't any duties on guitars or pedals, just 14% VAT ?

mtmattan

http://guitarmag.co.za/blog/importing-gear-the-real-costs/

Found that article quite interesting.
Confirms pedals and guitars are customs duty free. Also says items things that include a mic or speaker attract duty.

Quite strange though, when you (try to) order from Amazon.com, it has an import fees deposit on all pedals/instruments. Not sure what that's about? Even if it is just refunded.

MikeM

Customs duty fee yes.

However any item that comes into the country gets charged tax.

mtmattan

Actually just stumbled onto the "ProGuitarShop.com Order" thread.

It's a good read. Tax is charged but seems quite small.

Bob-Dubery

mtmattan wrote: http://guitarmag.co.za/blog/importing-gear-the-real-costs/

Found that article quite interesting.
Confirms pedals and guitars are customs duty free. Also says items things that include a mic or speaker attract duty.

Quite strange though, when you (try to) order from Amazon.com, it has an import fees deposit on all pedals/instruments. Not sure what that's about? Even if it is just refunded.

There are fees other than what customs charge. The couriers will impose various charges as well.

This is a subject that comes up on GFSA regularly. I'd advise you to do your sums carefully. Include the bank's forex charges, the various processing charges that the courier will impose and so on. Do some homework.

Will the stuff you import from the USA run here without modifications? If not then factor in he price of a modification.

You can buy the Nova stuff locally, and you may find that you don't save as much as you think when importing and you will definitely end up with effectively no guarantee. The guarantee will be honoured by whoever you paid for the gear - but they'll be overseas and you would have to pay shipping costs to and from them if a guarantee claim eventuates.