Bahamas Import Fees

[Labatt]

From what I understand, pretty much everything is now subject to import fees and stamp tax into the Bahamas. I'm trying to find out what the fees are so I can figure out what to have the in-laws send and not send. I've found very generic information (i.e. engine parts are subject to 15% and everything else is pretty much 45%) but I can't find any specific information. I'm looking at shipping in LED bulbs, conversion bases for the bulbs, a couple of light fixtures, a camera filter, electrical supplies (butt connectors, etc.), anchor chain and shackles, schoolbooks, movies, gps bracket, a wire stripper and a couple of other items, plus all my mail which includes a few magazines. They were originally supposed to visit us so we had everything shipped to them, and then they had to cancel for various reasons.

Thanks!

Chris
s/v/ Pelican
s/v Pelican - Following A Dream

[osirissail]

The Bahamas has always had a totally ridiculous "duty" and other fees on importing any boat parts. Most times it is cheaper to fly a relative over with the stuff in their luggage.

[Labatt]

I just got back from the airport and talked to customs there. The import fee is basically 45% for everything except for certain items like printed material (7%). I asked if they go by a book, and he said there really isn't one (although I know there is) and they'll look at stuff to see if there's an exception. For used items, declare a value, and they'll go with it if they think it's true, or adjust it upwards if they don't.

I did confirm the boat-in-transit exemption no longer exists. EVERYTHING is now taxed.

[Abaco]

As a cruiser clearing customs, you can't mean they intend to tax the entire contents of your vessel?

[Labatt]

Sorry - to clarify, what you bring in with you is exempt. If you ship new items or have someone bring new items in with them those are what are taxable. They used to, up to a few months back, allow items shipped in AFTER you arrived and for the maintenance of your vessel to be exempt. That is what has gone away.

[donw_s11]

Sounds like if you had much to ship in it would be worth a trip back to Ft. Lauderdale to pick it up! For nickel and dime stuff, just pay the import duty and be done with it.

Don W.

[Labatt]

I would seriously consider heading back to Miami or someplace in the US if it weren't for the horrible weather this season... we want to get east, and with front after front after front it's taking us forever. If we went back to the US now, I don't know if we'd make it back over here by next season!