DR customs are out of their mind??

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by Rocky

Here is the corrected link.
New DR Resident. Right to import 1 car duty free?




So a lot of conditions have to be met, and there is no tax free exemption.
I assume the 60% tax discount would not be enough to counterbalance the additional freight charges of 1 1/2 to 2 tons.
And that's assuming that there is no coruption at Aduanas and that no bribes have to be paid, which we all know is a pipe dream.

And these:

ADDITIONAL RECOMENDATIONS
- Stamp ALL documents at the Dominican Consulate
- IT IS PROHIBITED TO SHIP DANGEROUS GOODS (FLAMMABLE GASES/LIQUIDS, EXPLOSIVES, TOXIC OR RADIOACTIVE ARTICLES, ETC.). YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE OF ANY DAMAGES THAT OCCUR TO PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES IF THIS WARNING IS IGNORED.
- IT IS PROHIBITED TO SHIP FOOD OF ANY KIND, MEDICINES OR ANY OTHER REGULATED PRODUCT. IT MAY BE CONFISCATED IF DO NOT HAVE THE CORRESPONDENT IMPORT PERMIT.
- Pack in the same box only articles of the same nature. Example: put in different boxes clothing, kitchen articles, paintings, books, etc. Do not mix them.
- Identify each box with a number and prepare a full packing list with the content of each box. You must declare an estimated value in US Dollars for each item.
- The packing list shall list separately each electric appliance, since these CAN NOT be declared globally. YOU HAVE TO DETAIL these. If you bring more that one unit of a particular appliance, only will be exonerated the quantity that Customs consider reasonable. (By example: if you bring more than three TVs, then maybe three will be exonerated and the rest will pay duties).
- Clearly specify if each article is NEW or USED, and the estimated value in US dollars.
- Power Generators, Construction Materials, or any other item that is not considered as part of your personal belongings by Customs, will not be exonerated.

A lot of detail there. I can see how if the "i's" aren't dotted, and "t's" crossed, there could be some heartburn.

Caveat Emptor. Don't blame adaunas if these conditions are not fully complied with. It wouldn't be their fault.

Agree about the bribes. My experience cost me an additional RD$6000. Not a big financial deal, really, but quite irritating.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by windeguy

I did not import a car because I had heard of what a nightmare that was. It seems that nightmare is not any better today than it was 5 years ago.

It sure looks that way so far, but we are waiting to hear if some folks have been successful.
We should know by tonight.
If we get even a few success stories, it may be a worthwhile consideration.
If not, then nothing has changes and it would be better to stay away from nightmare alley.

[cobraboy]

I imported a "difficult" vehicle without the aid of the exclusion. Including duties, taxes and freight, it still was less than what a comparable vehicle is available in the DR goes for. That was our plan in the first place, and may not be true for a different vehicle.

The process was difficult and frustrating, but not exactly what I'd call a nightmare. It could have been much easier if two issues had been done differently. Live and learn.

Advice based on personal experience: make sure the vehicle you bring in is titled to the entity that is receiving it.

[TheHun]

I absolutely did not want members to get to each others throat. I understand that many people has many different experience and the law is not always the same in the DR - nor many other places.

"TheHun's original post does not give enough information to give him solid advice.

Things like:

-Does he already have his DR residency and the paperwork in hand within the 6 month window of time to attempt to claim the exemption? Or is he planning on doing his move first, and THEN getting DR residency?

-Is he attempting to move a container load of valuable family antiques in for his new household?

-Did he go out and buy all new goods to move to the DR, and everything is still in their respective original manufacturer's boxes?"


So answer to the questions:

- me and my family does not have residency in the DR as of yet. I have a lawyer there who will take care of my provisional residency as soon I'll land there. I was planning to use the "confirmation letter" from immigration to get the duty free exemption. According to many members and Mr.Guzman it is possible and new residents with only a prov.residency can use them.

- no valuable family antiques. We are a mid-class family, live in a 1600 SF 3 BDR home. I like to build and fix things on my own, so I might have more tools than average Joe, but nothing with high values.

- I did not go out and buy new things (except some new clothes for hot climate) nothing in original boxes (However I still have some boxes saved for some items, that would be kind of hard to box up otherwise) Those boxes might not be good to use anyway according to some advise. My daughter's TV is less than a year old. Most of our things are in a perfect shape, even the older ones. Our appliances are about 2 years old.
Does the age, price, value matters when we apply for the exemption?
I mean if you get the exemption, does it matters if your fridge is 2 years old or 10?? I guess not.
Are there more type of exemption??

Yes, I'd like to use the tax/duty exemption (mudanza?) with my moving, but according to the custom broker, it will still cost me around $30G. !!!
Just to clarify my belongings are still in the US, almost fully packed and ready to ship.
I have asked the broker to send me the detailed information on the duty/tax calculation but I did not received it yet, so I do not know the break-down on the specific items.
My car's US value is about $20-21000 and I have seen that I can buy the same car in the DR for about $ 28000. So if they want to charge me more than $7000 on the car, I'll sell it here.
I have no idea on my '06 Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV. Could not find any info on it in the DR.

The main reason of my post is that I do not want to get in the situation that we send our stuff and when it arrives we got hit by a $43000 duty/tax.

I really appreciate all the info that was given to me by you all. I'll keep you updated. There are quite few people offered their help and I hope this matter will be solved in a pleasant way.

Thanks again for all responses!
I wish everyone a great summer!

TheHun

[Rocky]

Thanks for the response and detailed explanations.

My car's US value is about $20-21000 and I have seen that I can buy the same car in the DR for about $ 28000. So if they want to charge me more than $7000 on the car, I'll sell it here.

That seems like a very wise decision.
I don't think they will take the age of your appliances into account, but I am not sure.
Your broker or a lawyer may be able to clarify that, and as soon as you have the breakdown, it should make it a lot easier to determine what is worth bringing, and what not.
Best of luck to you.

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by TheHun

Yes, I'd like to use the tax/duty exemption (mudanza?) with my moving, but according to the custom broker, it will still cost me around $30G. !!!

I'd definitely get a second opinion. I don't see how that is possible, excluding the car.

[bob saunders]

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY TO THE BENEFITS OF THE LAWS 14-93 & 168
(Revised August/2005)
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ ALL THE CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT
- The law establishes an exoneration to the import of home & personal goods, as well as job & professional equipment, belonging to foreign people coming to definitively reside in the country, and to Dominicans that have resided out of the country for two (2) or more consecutive years and return to establish the definitive residence in the country.
- The benefit of these Laws is given only once in lifetime.
- To become establish your permanent residence in the Dominican Republic.
- If you are Dominican, you have to demonstrate you have lived for more than two (2) consecutive years in another country (Dominicans and foreigners).
- Also not having stayed in the country for more than six (6) months during the last two (2) years (consecutive or not).
- If you are foreign, to present your Original Residence Card or a Certification from Migration Authorities saying it is in process.
- Your actual Passport shall have a minimum of two (2) years of being issued. If not, then your previous cancelled passport will be required.
- The Bill of Lading or Air Waybill shall be consigned to your name.
- Letter of Matrimony, if married, or Divorce Letter (Original).
- To issue a Consular Invoice at the Dominican Consulate that corresponds to your area.
- Copy of your Dominican ID Card (Cedula)
If you are bringing a vehicle:
- It is PROHIBITED to import vehicles with more than 5 years of age. Any vehicle that breaks this rule will be confiscated.
- Only ONE (1) vehicle can be exonerated.
- The exoneration of vehicles is partial (approx. 60% discount)
- If married, each one has the right to import ONE vehicle.
- Motorcycles, 4wheels, etc., are considered vehicles, and will not be exonerated
if you also bring a car.
- You have to wait three (3) years to be able to sell the vehicle. Customs Inspectors may surprisingly visit you to verify that.
- Original of the Vehicle’s Title
- Titlés Record stamped by the Dominican Consulate
- The Bill of Lading or Air Waybill shall be consigned to the owner of the vehicle.
- Proof that vehicle has been in your possession for not less than one (1) year.
- To present the Vehicle’s Registrations (New & Old, or official certifications of them).
- Record of the last three (3) registrations (stamped by the Dominican Consulate)
- Original Drivers License from the country where you lived.
ADDITIONAL RECOMENDATIONS
- Stamp ALL documents at the Dominican Consulate
- IT IS PROHIBITED TO SHIP DANGEROUS GOODS (FLAMMABLE GASES/LIQUIDS, EXPLOSIVES, TOXIC OR RADIOACTIVE ARTICLES, ETC.). YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE OF ANY DAMAGES THAT OCCUR TO PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES IF THIS WARNING IS IGNORED.
- IT IS PROHIBITED TO SHIP FOOD OF ANY KIND, MEDICINES OR ANY OTHER REGULATED PRODUCT. IT MAY BE CONFISCATED IF DO NOT HAVE THE CORRESPONDENT IMPORT PERMIT.
- Pack in the same box only articles of the same nature. Example: put in different boxes clothing, kitchen articles, paintings, books, etc. Do not mix them.
- Identify each box with a number and prepare a full packing list with the content of each box. You must declare an estimated value in US Dollars for each item.
- The packing list shall list separately each electric appliance, since these CAN NOT be declared globally. YOU HAVE TO DETAIL these. If you bring more that one unit of a particular appliance, only will be exonerated the quantity that Customs consider reasonable. (By example: if you bring more than three TVs, then maybe three will be exonerated and the rest will pay duties).
- Clearly specify if each article is NEW or USED, and the estimated value in US dollars.
- Power Generators, Construction Materials, or any other item that is not considered as part of your personal belongings by Customs, will not be exonerated.

[Tarheel]

I have about 30 years of experience with the freight transportation business in the DR (mostly Free Zone goods/apparel). As long as paperwork is perfect and properly submitted, there is generally no problem with DR Customs. Make a mistake, just a very minor one, and Customs will be in your face. There is no mistaking it, you will pay for your mistake. Even dots your i's and cross your t's Cobraboy admits to that.

Unless you are unnaturally addicted to stress, commonsense says don't ship personal effects to the DR. True story: The "new" plant manager for my then employer shipped his personal effects to San Pedro de Macoris. They sat so long at the port of entry (Haina) that he got fired and went back to the US with his goods still stranded in customs.

And yes, the vehicles make the difference just like Rocky says. Another true story: I have visited all the main ports in the DR and it always is noticeable all the late model cars so covered in dust and dirt that you can tell they have been there for months if not years.

[cobraboy]

Originally Posted by Tarheel

And yes, the vehicles make the difference just like Rocky says. Another true story: I have visited all the main ports in the DR and it always is noticeable all the late model cars so covered in dust and dirt that you can tell they have been there for months if not years.

True dat. One of the frustrations is that the charges for "storage" started ticking at the time of the inspection. We had to pay twice: once after all the process had to be completed, and again the next morning because we paid at 4:45pm the afternoon before, and it was 8am the next day.

It wasn't the US$8 that bothered me. It was the 1.5 hrs. it took to get the info, go to BanReserves to get a certified check, go back to pay, then go back to the storage yard.

Dealing with the port of Rio Haina was like an international version of Groundhog Day.

The process is definitely do-able. you just have to make damn sure you follow the rules. If you try to NOT do precisely as they say, if you try sneaking stuff in (and get caught), or if you try to short circuit the system, It'll cost both time and money.

[TheHun]

I'm going to give you some update.
Due to the help of few great DR1 member, I contacted to 2 moving companies / custom brokers.
I don't know if I can name those firms here without against DR1 rules??
As you know, broker #1 (company in DR) quoted me a US $ 43000.00 ONLY duty quote without residency and US $ 30000.00 with residency / mudanza. Again, it did NOT included the shipping.

Broker #2 (well recognized int. moving company in US - good references from a fellow DR1 member) quoted me US $ 22500.00 for shipping and all the fees, but no duty, they said the duty tax will not be more than $ 5000.00. based on their custom brokers quote from the DR (still a way lot less than $ 43K only for duty)

Broker #3 ( also a DR company, with offices in North, Central and South america - good references from a fellow DR1 member) quoted US $ 20500.00 included everything BUT insurance.
So I was going to sign the contract with them, when I talked to a friend of ours who works in a hospital in SD and she said "let me ask the custom broker who does all the hospitals customs and shipping before you sign the contract."
So Broker #4 (DR company with office in the US also) gave us a lot better price and was very helpful. We decided to give him a contract, and not only because of his prices, but because he was able to answer all of our questions right away. He has been in the business for 15 years and has a great deal of knowledge and connections.

I'll update you when our belongings are here and let you know if there where any problems / delays / extra fees at all. If all is well, THAN I'll recommend the company to the DR1 members.

TheHun