Thread: GST for internet-bought stuff under $1000.00 ?

In SA all imports obviously have to go through Customs who then decide whether the item attracts duties as per the international customs code but it doesn't stop there.

They convert the foreign amount at the prevailing exchange rate and use that as a basis to calculate VAT, which is 14%. They then decide for all their trouble to add 10% onto the VAT amount effectively levying it at 15.4% and then a R20 documentation fee.

Fortunately, if the value of the item is below USD20 it generally doesn't attract VAT and only the documentation fee.

All the above is all well and good but the first major hurdle one has to cross, is getting your goods delivered to your local Post Office and to escape the clutches of those pilfering bastards at the International Mail Centre. I imported parts for my car last year which have never showed up and it took 2 months to get razor blades from Singapore.

I'm extremely loath to import items such as razors, brushes and hones because of these sticky fingers. I can use a service such as Stackry or Postbox-Courier but unless I have enough items to warrant the courier fees, importing once off items becomes prohibitive.