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Old 30-03-2019, 17:33   #1
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US Import of South African Cat

I was preparing paperwork, fully expecting to pay the 1.5% duty that is typical of a sailing catamaran when I came across the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) in the HS Tariff codes which lists Yachts HS Code 8903.91.0035 as Free duty under AGOA. South Africa is an AGOA country.

Is this right? I can't seem to find web references to Leopard cats being imported duty free, which leads me to believe this isn't the case, but tossing it out here incase anyone knows.

I was also preparing all the EPA forms 3520-21, which is simple enough except for the bond reference. Do I need to secure a bond as part of the permanent import process? They are EPA certified engines, and several websites seem to indicate you just show up at the port of entry and pay the CBP officer on the spot (whatever the duty and fees are).

It will be USCG Documented before arrival. Anyway, I'll probably reach out to a customs agent as well, but just curious if anyone knows. Been trying to save a few bucks by doing this myself.
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Old 30-03-2019, 18:25   #2
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Have it ready to pay, and then use the money for new sails if there's no duty!

From the thread title it looked like you might be trying to bring in an Ocelot.
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Old 30-03-2019, 18:46   #3
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

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Originally Posted by psk125 View Post
Have it ready to pay, and then use the money for new sails if there's no duty!

From the thread title it looked like you might be trying to bring in an Ocelot.
Haha
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Old 31-03-2019, 09:53   #4
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

For anyone else that reads this, it is a duty free import under AGOA, so that's a pleasant surprise. I talked to a customs agent.
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Old 12-10-2019, 15:27   #5
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Quote:
Originally Posted by css145hs View Post
I was preparing paperwork, fully expecting to pay the 1.5% duty that is typical of a sailing catamaran when I came across the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) in the HS Tariff codes which lists Yachts HS Code 8903.91.0035 as Free duty under AGOA. South Africa is an AGOA country.

Is this right?
Thanks for posting the info. What happened in the end?
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Old 13-10-2019, 08:37   #6
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Yup. South African boat imports into US are duty free under AGOA for a couple more years (unless renewed again). An agent will charge about $1500 flat for paperwork and bond.
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Old 13-10-2019, 10:50   #7
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Are they import duty free or only to the first owner?
I was under the impression that the first owner had to do the paperwork or the exemption was lost forever.

I'd love to be wrong. I'm the 3rd owner of a SA build catamaran.

Anyone know for sure?
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Old 13-10-2019, 11:17   #8
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingScot View Post
Are they import duty free or only to the first owner?
I was under the impression that the first owner had to do the paperwork or the exemption was lost forever.

I'd love to be wrong. I'm the 3rd owner of a SA build catamaran.

Anyone know for sure?
I've read that it's only free of duty when seller is manufacturer.
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Old 25-03-2020, 13:05   #9
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

There is no "first owner" restriction. You need a certificate of origin but you can get even if you are not first owner. US is very easy regarding certificates of origin. A good customs broker will know. If he/she does not know go elsewhere. There is a recent post in the FB Leopard Cats group with details of a broker who can do this cheaply (the bond is the most expensive part).
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingScot View Post
Are they import duty free or only to the first owner?
I was under the impression that the first owner had to do the paperwork or the exemption was lost forever.

I'd love to be wrong. I'm the 3rd owner of a SA build catamaran.

Anyone know for sure?
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Old 22-01-2024, 11:16   #10
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Quote:
Originally Posted by svlamorocha View Post
Thanks for posting the info. What happened in the end?
Can anybody share details of a US customs broker that can handle the import of a duty-free 40-ft catamaran for $1500 or so?

Thanks
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Old 22-01-2024, 11:31   #11
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

Would this also exempt used yachts?
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Old 22-01-2024, 11:45   #12
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

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Originally Posted by aqfishing View Post
Would this also exempt used yachts?
Used or new does not make a difference.
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Old 22-01-2024, 20:45   #13
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

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Originally Posted by svlamorocha View Post
Used or new does not make a difference.
Interesting, thanks.
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Old 22-01-2024, 20:47   #14
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Re: US Import of South African Cat

You getting a new 40 Powercat?
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