After you satisfies all conditions, by providing the information and papers required, the customs valuation Branch will certify or accept the documents and the importer is now may proceed to process for his/her entry. In case the documents do not satisfy all conditions, the Customs Valuation Branch may determine a value for the vehicle, applying other methods of valuation consistent with the Valuation laws. The Customs, if requested, is obligated to notify the importer in writing of the grounds for the decision, and to provide an opportunity for the importer to make representation in this regard.
Under this category mainly those transactions are considered which are processed through the internet. This is done so, as a means of speeding up the verification process, it is recommended to all to clients maintain all correspondences, payments, e-mails, pictures etc. on the vehicle to be presented to Customs on its arrival. This information may also be presented prior to the arrival of the vehicle.
Normally, an invoice will not be available unless the importer had it in safekeeping at the time. It is therefore necessary for an appraisal of the value to be made using
A fallback method under Section 2 (4) of the Second Schedule of CAP #422. The value that is arrived at is normally based on previously determined Customs values with adjustments for factors such as depreciation and general condition. Statistical information pertaining to vehicles of similar age and condition may be used to assist in determining a value for customs purposes.
Vincent’s Section 1(1) of the Second Schedule of the Customs Act defines customs value as “the value of goods for the purposes of levying ad valorem duties of customs on imported goods.
The correct tariff code is also very important to ensuring that the correct duties and taxes are paid by the importer. Duties should not be overpaid or underpaid by the importer. In determining the correct tariff code, the importer, broker or customs clerk must have a basic knowledge of the rules governing the interpretation of classification in the customs tariff.
In St. Vincent 99% of duties or taxes charged on imported used vehicles are ad valorem, it is a duty or tax which is a charged as % of the value for duty of good imported. The value for the duty of goods imported is the custom value. The remaining 1% levied are for specific charges duties or taxes.
There are certain conditions, on which duty free concessions on importing used vehicle are granted by the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cabinet for the following
The people basically belongs to Vincent but have been living outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a period of ten years or more and are going to shift permanently to their country are allowed to import a used vehicle and there is 75% waiver of the import duty, excise and Value added tax.
But customs service charge of 4% of C.I.F is payable. If you are importing a vehicle which is more than four years old, then in that case a vehicle surcharge is also payable. The concession is limited to one vehicle per household, and there is condition that it must be imported or brought locally from a private warehouse or purchased on the docks within one (1) year of returning to live in the states. Returning nationals wishing to benefit under this scheme may do so by applying to the Comptroller of Customs and Excise
Those who belongs to the profession of farming can take the benefit of 75 % waiver of import duty, Excise and Value Added Tax (VAT) on the importation of pick-ups or light trucks of 1.5 tons or less. Customs Service Charge of 4% C.I.F is payable as well as a vehicle surcharge of $4000.00 if the vehicle is more than four (4) years old. This concession is limited to one vehicle per household. To be eligible, for getting this concession a farmer should be involved in commercial farming activity on at least 3 acres of land for three consecutive years prior to the granting of the concession. It is also mandatory to present the evidence of commercial activity which must be in the form of certification from the Permanent Secretary or the Chief Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Those persons who have been permanently appointed to a post in Grades B1 or above; or has been acting in these grades for a continuing period of two years or more years are eligible for 75% percent waiver of import duty and excise and Value Added Tax (VAT) on a motor car or jeep of 3000 cc or less. This concession also applies to contractual and temporary appointments in Grade B1 held for a continuous period of five (5) years and over, as well as Managers of Statutory Corporations who receive benefits and pay scales in line with grade B1(13) of the Civil Service. The vehicle must be owned by the officer and registered in his/her name. This concession can be claimed on the purchase/ importation of a qualifying vehicle, in any given four years. Civil Servants retiring from the public service who were entitled to Duty-free concessions can utilize such concessions up to one month after the receipt of their retiring benefits. All applications should be made to the Director General of Finance and Planning.