[Post-budget 2013] – Buying on eBay from Mauritius (Nov 2012)

12 November 2012 99 Comments

While everyone can have their opinion about the budget 2013, yours might change after reading this post, especially if you shop online frequently. Previously a customs broker was required to clear out your parcels from the customs if the total amount was greater than Rs10,000 - (Read here and here). The Minister of Finance, Xavier Duval announced the following on the 9th October 2012, I quote:

Recourse to the services of a custom broker is presently required to obtain delivery of articles imported by post or courier services if their value exceeds 10,000 rupees. I am raising this limit to 30,000 rupees.

What does this mean?

You won’t be required to hire the services of a customs broker unless your item is over Rs30k!!!

You can easily save from Rs1,000 to Rs3000 when purchasing mobiles, laptops, camera equipment and so on. But please remember that refurbished or used items need special permits from the Ministry of ~~Labour~~ Commerce. Also, equipment with wireless communications need another permit from the ICTA. You can read more here.

Another budgetary measure :

Customs duty and VAT exemption will apply on the first Rs 2,000 of the import value of the goods, instead of Rs 1,000. Such exemption does not apply to imports for sale, alcohol, tobacco products and illicit goods. This change will take effect immediately.

Items can be bags for example.

Today, I spent quite some time on the phone to get these confirmed. Neither the central postal office nor the MRA Tariff Unit could officially say whether both of the budgetary measures will be effective immediately and put into practice immediately as announced.

You are the most welcomed to share any further related information here. And please, do read the previous article (here and here) before asking any questions or sending me mails. Most often, I have to ignore many mails because I wrote and discussed everything on the related posts.

Keep tuned and long live online shopping!

Thanks for reading!

http://themediaguru.blogspot.com carrotmadman6

Quoting from the speech:

“Customs duty and VAT exemption will apply on the first Rs 2,000 of the import value of the goods, instead of Rs 1,000. Such exemption does not apply to
imports for sale, alcohol, tobacco products and illicit goods. This
change will take effect immediately.

Recourse to a Custom Broker will no longer be required to obtain delivery of personal goods arriving by post or courier services, if their value is below Rs30,000. The current limit is Rs10,000.”

*Immediately.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Thank you Carrot! You should be working at the customs! I talked to many guys and saken nek ine zette boule lo zotte camouade pu confirme sa!
http://pramoduniverse.com/ Pramod

Now that’s a really good news… Capave passe command Camera aster!!!
Hmmmm well let me see what we can buy and how much money i will be able to save!! ^^
oxacuk

“Recourse to the services of a custom broker is presently required to obtain delivery of articles imported by post or courier services if their value exceeds 10,000 rupees.”

I wonder how I had delivered two smartphones and a dSLR, each being more than 10,000 rupees in value, without needing a custom broker any of the three times.

BTW, the permit for refurbished and used items is from the Ministry of Commerce, not the Ministry of Labour.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Thank you for correcting me
http://themediaguru.blogspot.com carrotmadman6

Not sure I should be feeling happy or pissed off that this measure should have been applied eons ago…

- Annoyed eBay buyer who purchased a camera 3 months ago & had to go through a broker because it was worth Rs 10,200.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

lol.
http://pramoduniverse.com/ Pramod

Hey buddy, ki camera tone prend? Li bon? Give some feedbacks, did you like it?
http://www.facebook.com/winshaye Winshaye Ransoo

How it will be eventually:-
For Individual Buyer:
Rs 0- Rs 2000 Custom charges exempted.
Rs 2001 to Rs 30,000 You Pay 20% as custom clearance charges
Rs 30,001 its 60% directly.

For Businesses, its still 15% fix rate from Rs 0 to Infinity…, often claimed back via VAT from VAT registered companies.

I think its good, but customs should be more severe like in developed Countries when its regarding excess imports of certain items. A good example is private sellers operating from Facebook pages. Those guys are not Customs Registered and pays no VAT and don’t pay for permits every year…

What concerns ICTA permits… they are the right guys in the right place…
What if I come near your house, using a Signal Jammer…. and block you from mobile communication… NOT COOL…. right?
ICTA regulates such wireless items for our security and convenience from malicious people…
http://themediaguru.blogspot.com carrotmadman6

First Impression: http://carrotmadman6.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-first-canon.html

Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrotmadman6/

Review: The best reasonably priced compact camera… in the world.
http://www.geekscribes.net Inf

For our security yes, but there are some devices which are safe and I think ICTA should maintain a whitelist / blacklist, whichever is more convenient.

So you can import all the “safe” goods without having to get an ICTA permit. For e.g., you want to import a wireless router / AP. They have a list of all allowed / disallowed routers. If your router is ok, it goes through without needing a permit. So router, ok. Signal jammer, not ok. Would be, easier, no?

>> Rs 2001 to Rs 30,000 You Pay 20% as custom clearance charges
>> Rs 30,001 its 60% directly.

Where do you get these figures? Why 20%?
http://www.facebook.com/khalid.suleiman.121 Khalid Suleiman

Thanks very useful info for me as a foreign student..
http://www.facebook.com/khalid.suleiman.121 Khalid Suleiman

and guys can someone confirm as of the new regulations, if you buy something over 30,000 Rs equivalent to 1000 USD you have to pay 60% on Tax?? or 60% import duty and tax rate is another charge? i want to buy an ultrabook for around 1013 USD.Thanks help appreciated
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Personally, I’m not aware of the figures brought forward by @facebook-1188723487:disqus. Perhaps he can clear our doubts here.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

No. Please disgard the comment from which these figures have been specified. Nothing is confirmed and I am not personally aware of this. So, until we get fixed on it, please ignore.

As far as I know, and per my experience, if you are importing a $1013 item, the customs guys won’t ask you for a customs broker just because of $13 above the limit. (Unless the guy at the customs counter really had a big fight with his wife before coming to work).

So, you will only be paying 15% VAT and some Rs100 for post office charges.
*assumption1 => $1 = Rs30
*assumption2 => Rs30,000 is the total cost.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

I replied to your comment on the UltraBook separately but I wish to clear a point here.

As a non-Mauritian, the above post might not be applicable to you. There might be other procedures and charges for non-Mauritians. To be confirmed.
http://www.Muzzonline.com/ Muzzammil Nabybaccus

I took a used phone on ebay, i ddnt need an icta permit, i tld the seller to send it as gift and and i only had to go to the local posat office, not the one at caudan to take it,
About removing parcels from custom,
VAT still 15%?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

I dont have the list of items without the need for an ICTA permit but mobile phones are in that list. I have myself purchased a few phones
http://twitter.com/khalids19 Khalid Salim

Okay thanks but i do have the residence permit since am a student i will be here for one year..idk if thats relevant but i thought i should just say it. I hope you will get confirmation on this..Thanks
http://twitter.com/khalids19 Khalid Salim

Lol big fight with her wife..okay btw its good that you have helped alot and i think i will just go ahead and buy the ultrabook and then tell the ebayer to declare low value on it..if he refuses will just buy and see hope it will help cause i did it several times in my home country and it was fine..and i had to pay only low tax.Thanks alot for the post btw.
http://www.facebook.com/winshaye Winshaye Ransoo

well if your purchase is Rs 30100 for example, it will not apply, the broker will round it off to 30,000.
Yes, for you guys who don’t have import permit… if you exceed that limit per item, the charge is 60%.
Before it was 20% from Rs 1000 to 10,000:::: which has been raised to Rs 30,000.
If you want to item valued more than 30,000 then you should register yourself at customs, and you pay a fix 15% independent of the value.
http://www.facebook.com/winshaye Winshaye Ransoo

One more thing, the figures are for electronic goods like mp3 players, phones for personal uses, tablets, camera… not for other categories of products… because some are exempted and some are not.
similar for a car, your custom clearance is approx. 137% of its value.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

What do you mean “you pay a fix 15% independent of the value.”?
Take for example, the item is valued at Rs40k and a first time buyer, being non-registered at the MRA.

As far as I’m concerned, I know that I am registered to the MRA ever since I cleared my camera out of the customs.
http://www.geekscribes.net Inf

You need a permit to import a mobile phone? What about a laptop? It uses Wifi, so wireless. Again permit? That’s ridiculous!
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

As I said, I dont have the list but as far as I know gadgets and routers need that permit. Mobile phones no. Laptops/tablets dont know.
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Shashi

Do you mean that buying a used mobile phone and/or used iPod from Ebay, we need a clearance from the ministry of commerce.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

You read it right.
anujpunk

Hey! What was the value of the phone?
http://www.facebook.com/R.bhavish Bhavish MistySky

does this part about rs 30 000 apply this December 2012?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Even officials could not give a date but normally yes.
http://www.facebook.com/still.Andre Daniel Andre Echem

I have just ordered a laptop costing about $1,250, shipped through USPS, iHave been informed it will take about 10working days before it gets here. Can you pls estimate what iHave to pay for. And what processes iWill go through when iAm needed to retreive it from customs.
ps: iAm an int’l student.

Thanks.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.
Wow, that gonna cost you a bit.
First of all, you will need a customs broker to clear it out of the customs. That will be of some additional cost. + you will need to pay apprx 15% VAT + some Rs100 postal fee.

You should read the posts concerning ebay on my blog. You will get everything you need.

Try to call the numbers I provided because things might be different for you, as a non mauritian.
LOoci

Hi,it’s a very interesting post that you have, thanks a lot for all the info.
Am here as am a frequent buyer from ebay. But yesterday I discovered a few other web sites such as https://www.tigerdirect.com that might ship to Mauritius and they do have excellent deals. I found out that you can open a P.O box in USA,have your items shipped to that P.O (that is own by aother company) who will then ship to you. It’s is a very interesting way to get things here,but still need to check out the prices etc. My question would be if any of you guys know a few websites that do ship to Mauritius with very good deals.(trusted ones).

Its rare to have nice people at the customs,they always try to fck you one way or the other,so you better know your rights. Thanks a lot for sharing and keeping us updated. If I might add a suggestion, might be you could create a post where peeps would put their best deals on websites they bought and had a good experience.
Cheers.
http://www.facebook.com/still.Andre Daniel Andre Echem

Thanks for the heads-on. iHave read it. How different might things get for me as a non-mauritian?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

You MIGHT have additional procedures or charges. This should be confirmed by phoning the customs.
http://www.facebook.com/judivadoo.rajeshwaraj Judivadoo Rajeshwaraj

i have just Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 GT-P3113 8GB Wi-Fi, 7 in. Dual Core – Titanium Silver on ebay costing $ 215.99+ shipping $ 30 Can you pls estimate what iHave to pay for. And what processes iWill go through when iAm needed to retreive it from customs. ?????
http://www.facebook.com/judivadoo.rajeshwaraj Judivadoo Rajeshwaraj

did you pay tax 15%????
http://www.Muzzonline.com/ Muzzammil Nabybaccus

about 156 USD
http://www.Muzzonline.com/ Muzzammil Nabybaccus

No!
it was sent as gift
i had been sent a RED paper for collection of it at my local post office
not the YELLOW paper
The YELLOW paper means you need to get it out of MRA customs

I didn’;t paid anything
i bought many stuffs includng alarm system
ddnt paid nything
http://www.facebook.com/still.Andre Daniel Andre Echem

Hi Yashvin, how can I order a package from newegg.com to Mauritius? Using USPS, UPS,FedEx or DHL. please reply.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.
I don’t want to sound bad but you should read a site properly before even thinking to use it.

If you had taken care to click on the FAQ page, you would have get the answer, which is, I quote:
“Newegg.com does not ship internationally. We ship within the United States and to Puerto Rico and APO/FPO addresses only.”
http://help.newegg.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/124/session/L3RpbWUvMTM1NDE5MTQ3OC9zaWQvdzZCdWp1Y2w%3D
http://www.facebook.com/still.Andre Daniel Andre Echem

good, saw that. thank you. m thinking of sending it to a US address, then they’ll have it shipped to Mauritius. Merci.
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http://www.facebook.com/wesley.cheung.169 Wesley Cheung

Fedex sent me a notif saying “A confirmation of the value of goods is required”
Can any1 help me?
rbwr

try dx.com (all free shipping)
http://www.facebook.com/rovin00712 Rovin Panchoo

hi yashvin i had bought a used mixer abt rs 3689 and had to pay a courtiere maritim ok so now i am buying a djm 303 new its abt rs 12 450 and its exceeding 10 k so wat will happen now how much will i pay
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

You should read the latest post. Things have changed. Mo more Rs10k limit.
http://www.facebook.com/still.Andre Daniel Andre Echem

Hi Yashvin, is there any issue with shipping laptops with built-in batteries like d mbp? would fedex or dhl have problems delivering the package (laptop)? Please reply. Thanks
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.

I haven’t heard any of these cases but to be sure, you can try phoning to the customs or even DHL. They should be able to help you on your case.
Krishley

Hi Yashvin,

Thanks for all the information about purchasing a product on ebay….that definitely helps a lot! I have question though. I have ordered lots of stuffs on ebay in the past and i always took delivery at the central post office. I also paid the taxes there. Now i’m planning to order a camera on ebay and have it shipped through DHL. The only thing i know is that the camera is going to be delivered in front of my door. So how do i pay the taxes or any other fees etc…?

Thanks,
Krishley
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.

DHL will call you and tell you the amount you should pay. You will have to pay it to the delivery courrier boy.
Krishley

Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/uddhav.sreekeessoon Uddhav Rus

Hello Yashvin!

Really found ur blog interesting and helpful. i have a question regarding my recent purchase on ebay. I bought a laptop and it is being delivered by UPSP Priority Mail. Will i receive the item at my door or will i have to collect it at the post in PLouis.

Also i bought a router and had to present a release from the ICTA as u said it is a real PITA! and now the post send me a notice that i have only 15 days to collect the item otherwise it will be returned back! the problem is that it would take at least 2/3 weeks to get that release!

What should i do in this situation and should i pay any demurrage fee?

Thanks!
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.

You will need to call at the central postal office for the laptop and pay the VAT etc.
As for the router, I have not gone through this process personally but at the time of the writing, they told me that it will take that long. Perhaps things have changed now, hopefully.

Try to start the procedures asap and please keep me informed so that I can update the article accordingly.
georgebush

can we buy sex toy from ebay and what is the custom cost and clearence fee i have to pay
stebane

hi yashvin i bought a pair of sneakers on ebay , like i use ebay only once in a year or so but i rarely buy with usps first class only pirority and express but i just bought one pair of sneakers with first class mail so approximately how many days do i have to wait?? its already been 14 days!!!
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

2-4 weeks
deepak

hello yashvin, I just bought a graphics card from ebay and it will come
through dhl. SO IF I comprend bien , they will delivered it to my place,
and i think i have to pay them the fees or customs or vat whatever. But
i want to collect it directly at dhl is it possible
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Exact. Call DHL to change the delivery. Normally, DHL should call you to confirm payment.
deepak

Great just awesome thanks first time something coming through dhl for me
http://www.Muzzonline.com/ Muzzammil Nabybaccus

USPS express delivery

already Processed Through Sort Facility

Feb-01-13, 22:51 PM, ISC SAN FRANCISCO (USPS)

How much time exactly can i get it almost?
i guess its fast :O

but um
i wanna confirm something with you
its a 280 dollars package
i told the seller ( a toprated one) to send it as gift
i dunno if he actually did it :O

USPS package should be collected at general post office?
I bought it on thursday, in how many days approximately will i get it?:D

Worrying about the 15 % vats
Anita seethul

Hi, I wanted to know if i buy perfum for u.s.a i will get probleme with customs?

It will coast me about $ 80 for 2 bottle of perfume i will pay something on it in mauritius? Thank you for your answer.
http://www.Muzzonline.com/ Muzzammil Nabybaccus

YAshvin
Custom duty?
I got the notice from customs today
need to fetch it tomorrow
The price which i will give
will they Cross check that from ebay?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

No but if they have any doubt abt the price, they might evaluate them again
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

I don’t know if perfumes have duty but you who’ll need to pay the vat footed sure.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Loll, just replied above.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Yes, you can but you should call the customs to be sure abt the type of toy.
James

Hi Yashvin,
I bought a bag for approx $ 41 (around Rs 1200)
Will I have to pay VAT to remove it out of customs when the item reach Mauritius?
And what is custom duty? Have to pay another fee too? O.o
Please reply as soon as possible.
Thanks.
By the way…great blog…great info!!
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Yes, bags have a duty of 15 or 30%. I have written this somewhere on the blog. And of course, the VAT. And the postal fee of about Rs50-100.
Warren

hi i want to buy an used smartphone on ebay can you help me how may i processe?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Please read this and the post related:
http://www.yashvinblogs.com/ebay-mauritius/
Warren

how to get the permis with icta? to buy used item
yovenc

Hi yashvin..
Am planning to buy a slr camera for a budget around rs20000 on ebay..
Will DHL deliver it to my place or i have to go to the post… ?
how much is the vat for rs20000?
thks
thomas

how much time does it take for a parcel to reach from china?? its been nearly one month and no sign of it?? the seller told be between 20-30 days?? has anyone had this kind of problem
Sammy

Bush looking for sex toy.
http://www.facebook.com/sanjoo.ramnihora Sanjoo Ramnihora

hi yashvin, again about sextoy.
where can i have the info which 1 is illegal in mauritius.
thanks
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.
You need to call the MRA (Telephone numbers available somewhere in the posts) or just go to the parcels office and talk with one of the custom officers.

No need to be ashamed
http://www.facebook.com/sanjoo.ramnihora Sanjoo Ramnihora

thanks alot
http://www.facebook.com/yush.na.3 Yush Na

hi yashvin , nice blog, i wanted to ask something, i recently purchased a goophone y5 on ebay and it is the exact replica of the iphone 4s, i have the paypal receipt and everything and it cost around 6000 rs. the problem is that it comes with the same box as the iphone 4s original and it is with the apple logo, do you think the customs will know how to distinguish between fake and original phone, im guessing maybe i will have to pay tax on the original cost of the iphone 4s . any ideas if that is the case???? thks for answering and keep up the good werk
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.

As long as you have your receipts, you got nothing to worry
Ashive

Sanjoo, please share the info! thanks!
Muzzammil

what service u use for the forwarding?
http://www.facebook.com/ryanrcpl Ryan Beeharry Lfc

i have a question. i’m planning to purchase a laptop around $900. Will the shipping cost be included in the total amount? It will exceed $1000 if the shipping cost is included and i don’t want to acquire the help of a custom broker.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Sorry to be rude but how can I know if the price you are paying has shipping included? The law is like that! If you don’t want a customs broker, then you should try to bribe the officers at your own risk!

Can’t understand how some people can be so stupid! This is perhaps the first time I’m so rude in here!
http://www.facebook.com/ryanrcpl Ryan Beeharry Lfc

no on ebay the price listed is around $900. but along with the shipping costs it will exceed $1000. i’m just asking if when i’ll fetch my laptop, will they include the shipping cost or will they ignore it. For example, if i want to buy this laptop: http://www.ebay.com/itm/160974900573?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

It’s my first time shopping online. I’m sorry if my question was stupid but i hope you understand.
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Okay, sounds better now that you have phrased your question correctly.
The custom officers can include up to 70% of the shipping costs into the total amount they use to calculate vat charges and if any customs broker is needed. If possible, try to look for a slightly cheaper deal to avoid taking any risks.
http://www.facebook.com/ryanrcpl Ryan Beeharry Lfc

ok. thanks…
Rishi

Hi, am trying to import a motherboard that has WiFi access point on it, I think that requires permit from ICTA but do they really go as far as checking the specs of an item to determine if a permit is needed at the customs? Anyone had this experience?
The mobo: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5K3_DeluxeWiFiAP/#specifications
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Hello.

No, I confirmed with the customs. Only routers require an ICTA permit.
Thank you for your visit,
Yashvin
Rishi

Are you sure? Cause I actually called the ICTA, talked to an “officer” and although she didn’t sound certain, she did say I should check in the radio comm. type approval list, if it’s not there I should apply for the permit (which is a nightmare to fill, given required docs), in spite of laying emphasis that it is just a mobo.

Seems like we have 2 versions here, you confirmed with Customs, I got another version from ICTA… but in the end, I thk it’s up to the Customs right? Would you deem it safe to import the mobo anyway?

Say I actually need a permit, what would happen then? Any experience with getting an unauthorised mobile/router (i thk it’s mobile also cause the type approval list has lots of phones too)?
Ref: http://www.icta.mu/radiocommunication/list_of_equipment.htm
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Better to get confirmation again from customs directly. They will be the ones to redirect you to ICTA in case you need a permit. The last time I called, they said that only routers need the permit. Mobiles/laptops/tablets etc are not in that “list”.
Rishi

Hmm, ok thanks, I’ll do that, but I didn’t get an answer for the last questions. Say I actually import it, they redirect me to ICTA, what will they do? Charge a penalty and give product or, dnt know, destroy it? Any experience with that?
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

Probably just wait for you to get the permit.
Jn

Hello, if I understood this correctly does this mean that if I buy an item costing $54 (that’s including shipping cost, total in Rs. 1679.40) it will be exempted from Customs duty fees and VAT since it’s less than Rs 2,000?

I’m a first time online buyer and I would’ve been completely ignorant of this if not for your blog (I think mauritius needs a more active blogsphere/online sphere in general for things like that)
http://www.yashvinblogs.com Yashvin Awootar

You read it right. And you can be lucky to get it delivered directly to your home address in case it is not bulky.

The Mauritian blogosphere is kindda dormant right now, unfortunately
nawfal10

hii…..srry mo p Dranz ou mai mo p envi pran 1 kindle fire hd lr amazon….li $199(environ rs6100) …eski ou kpav gueT shipping la comier pou mOa sVp…ek 1 lot question encore …kan li vin maurice product la mo bzin ale pran li la post sa ou li pu vine livre ct mOa…ek eski comien mo bzin paye tax tousala merci ..guet link la la!!http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-HD/dp/B0083PWAPW/ref=sr_tr_sr_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365933833&sr=8-1&keywords=kindle+fire+hd
pooja

hi yashvin plz help mi how to buy in EBAY… am a bit confuse about bid?? to rate? if i buy an item free shipping i hav to pay vat? i realy don’t understand… sory 4 lot of question AM NEW IN EBAY?? help me wiz full respect…

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