Guide to Azerbaijan

IMPORT REGULATIONS ON HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECT SHIPMENTS

•    The consignee should be present at the destination and should have a valid visa.
•    A registered company in Azerbaijan should employ the consignee.
•    Expatriates  are  permitted  to  import  HHG  and  personal  effects  duty  and  tax-free  on temporary basis,  which is valid till the time expatriates has finished their tenure and are ready to export their HHG out of Azerbaijan.
•    Expatriates are permitted to import household goods and electrical appliances tax and duty free on  temporary  import basis. In order to facilitate the temporary import declaration all electronic and electrical appliances should be clearly marked on the packing list along with their serial numbers.
•    Import of all kind consumables goods like clothing, cosmetics, foodstuff, beverages and etc. are subject to the payment of customs duties and VAT.
•    All import duties are charges in CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value.
•    Azerbaijan citizens are not permitted to import the HHG and personal effects on temporary import basis and therefore, are liable to pay full tax and duties.
•    Shipment of household goods and personal effects is subject to payment of customs levy, which varies from 0.18% up to 0.30% depending on the nature of goods.
•    Per  each  group  of  goods  the  customs  declaration  should  be  issued  at  the  Customs department. The  cost of each declaration is US$ 35.00/-. The number of groups and declarations  respectively  depends  on  variety  of  the  goods  inside  the  shipment.  For example, cloth is one separate group, kitchen ware  is second separate group, wooden furniture is third separate group, plastic furniture is fourth separate group, etc.

Prohibited items:

•    Weapons of all kinds.
•    Pornography.
•    Narcotics.
•    Toxic material
•    Radioactive material.

Note: Precious jewellery, stones and currency can be imported only as accompanied baggage and must be  declared with the customs authorities at the airport at the time of arrival. The declaration  should  be  kept  in  the  safe  custody  because  the  same  will  be  required  for presentation to the customs authorities at the time of departure.

Import of pets:

Import of pets is allowed. The following documents are required:
•    Vaccination certificate
•    Veterinary certificate.

IMPORT OF AUTO CARS

•    Auto cars and motor cycles can be imported duty and tax free on temporary import basis.  Temporary import is subject to customs fee of 0.2% of CIF value, which is charged on quarterly basis.
•    Temporary imported cars and motorcycles must be exported out of Azerbaijan at the end of expatriate’ stay.
•    Sale of the temporary imported cars and motorcycles are not permitted until full customs duty and VAT has been paid.
•    Permanent import of auto cars and motorcycles are subject to the tax and duties as per customs tariff.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION FOR IMPORT OF CARPETS,
PAINTINGS, ART EFFECTS AND ANTIQUES.

The duty free import is allowed only on temporary import basis and it’s strongly recommended that all carpets, paintings, art effects and antiques in the shipment should be photographed. Duplicate photograph of each item should be sent to the office of your origin agent in advance by courier enabling them to get the customs endorsement on the back of each photograph at the time of import customs inspection of the shipment. This will help the owner tremendously to avoid problems with the customs authorities at the time of export of  these  items out of Azerbaijan. Export of locally purchased carpets and paintings is allowed unless the items are not considered antique and of cultural value. The permission from the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Art Museum is required to export locally purchased carpets, paintings and other effects.

Documents required:
•    Way bill.
•    Packing list.
•    Copy of the passport.
•    Copy of the valid visa.
•    Valued inventory in English or Russian.
•    Power of attorney.
•    Confirmation of employment.

IMPORTANT:  Valued  inventory  is  strictly  required  for  customs  clearance.  Separate  valid inventory lists  should be issued for consumables items and household goods intended for temporary  import.  Valued  inventory  list  for  consumable  items  should  contain  very  clear description of each individual item, e.g. meat sausages, cotton sanitary napkins, men cotton shirt, tooth paste and etc. such descriptions are very  important because it helps the local customs authorities to determine the import duty which differs from item to item. Therefore, in order to minimise the customs duty on consumable items we suggest to under declare the items for customs purposes only. Valued inventory list for items intended for temporary import should also be descriptive, e.g. double bed set, wardrobe, dining table with six chairs and etc. Home electrical and electronic  appliances should be very clear mentioned along with their serial numbers. It is also suggested to declare the value for items for temporary import.

NOTE: Valued inventory lists are purely for customs purposes and therefore the value does not have to be the same as used for insurance purposes. However, it is strictly advised not to enclose the list used to insurance purposes along with the shipping documents. The customs duties for consumables items are charges on CIF value, therefore total CIF should be clearly marked on the valued inventory.

IMPORT OF WINE AND SPIRITS: The allowance limit for the import of wine and spirits for personal  consumption is one litre per head. All in excess is subject to duties and taxes as following:

From 1 euro per litter up to 2 euro per litter        customs duty (depending on the % of alcohol)

20 % of value                                                             VAT

0.2 % of value                                                            customs procedures duty.

HELPFUL TIPS:

•    Mark the waybills very clearly “Used Household goods and personal effects”.
•    Packing list should be in English, Azeri or Russian.
•    Do not attach the inventory list used for the insurance purposes with the documents enclosed with the shipment.
•    Two separate valued inventory lists, one for consumables items and another for items intended to  temporary import should be attached to the documents enclosed with the shipping documents along with the shipment.
•    Pre-alert along with the copies of the waybill, packing list, valued inventory and shipping schedule should be faxed to your origin agent well in advance.
•    Consign the shipment directly to the consignee c/o his organisation’s name, full address and tel. numbers

Note: As experienced in the past that the custom regulations can change at any time with or without notice. We’ll do our best to up-date our valued customers and agents with such changes.

We also strongly recommend to issue all the shipping documents very carefully according to the above  mentioned instructions, which we understand, can be time consuming but it will definitely help you to avoid unnecessary delays and heavy storage charges at the end.

PLEASE NOTE:

The information on this page is intended as a guide and NOT as a complete or definitive resource.

The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.
Updated January, 2006

THANK YOU TO:
Nomad Express
For Providing the above Customs Information

Guide to Australia

Ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney

Prohibited: Drugs, firearms, most animals, birds and ivory

Cont: None

Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Required Documents: Fully detailed list of wines and ability to show the period wines have been held by the shipper.

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks: All wine over the concession allowance of 9 liters will be subject to duty; however, Customs will consider each entry on an individual basis for duty.

Firearms and Weapons

Required Documents: Australian Shooters License.

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks: Firearms are seized by Customs on arrival and taken to ‘Queens Bond’ from where the shipper can uplift on presentation of his/her license. Licenses can take from 6 to 8 weeks to obtain, following formal application to the Police Department.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents: All ports and airports need copies of ALL stamped pages of passports (one of which must show current arrival into Australia) and completion of Customs Declaration (B534).

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks:

Pets and Animals

Required Documents:

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks: Prohibitions and restrictions governing entry of domestic pets do apply and are strictly enforced. All pets will be required to enter quarantine for a specified period on arrival with the length of time dependant upon the type of pet and the country it is arriving from.

Vehicles

Required Documents:

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks: All motor cars entering country are subject to duty and sales tax. Taxes and duties are assessed based upon a formula taking into consideration the purchase price, age, and length of ownership. Combined taxes and duty can vary from 16% to 100%. Specific information on duty should be requested prior to shipping an auto. All motor vehicles are inspected on arrival and may be steam cleaned. It is recommended that steam cleaning be done immediately prior to departure and a Certificate of Steam Cleaning is included with documents to agent. All vehicles are subject to Australian Quarantine Inspection. Owners of vehicles should apply to Motor Vehicles Standards in Canberra for approval prior to shipping. (See attached form.)

Miscellaneous

Required Documents:

Customs Regulations:

Clearance:

Remarks: Cordless telephones and Citizen’s Band (CB) radios are prohibited unless approved by Department of Transport & Communication.

Guide to Aruba

Customs Regulations

Introduction:

Whenever goods are being imported to Aruba import-duties can be levied. In case of moving ones residence from abroad to Aruba household effects may be entered under a duty-free exemption. In the following paragraphs this exemption and its conditions will be explained. The exemption for removal-goods is granted by the ‘Inspectie der Invoerrechten en Accijnzen’ (Customs and Excise of Aruba).

Duty-free exemption for removal goods

Removal-goods generally consist of all kinds of household furnishings like linens, dishes, furniture, libraries etc. To be eligible for the duty-free exemption the following conditions have to be met:

• the articles must have been used abroad in a household and may not be intentionally purchased newly before moving to Aruba. For newly purchased articles import-duties have to be paid;
• the articles must belong to the household of someone who moves from abroad to Aruba;
• the main residence of a person and members of his family must be moved from abroad to Aruba;
• the persons that move to Aruba may not already have a permanent residence on Aruba.

Household effects may not be entered under the duty-free exemption of the person who moves from abroad to Aruba if they are for another person or for sale.

For motor vehicles, airplanes and boats that belong to the removal-goods extra conditions have to be met. These articles must demonstrable:

• been owned abroad for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of importation by the person who moves to Aruba;
• been used abroad for a period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of importation by the person who moves to Aruba.

Domestic animals

For dogs and cats a certificate of health (not exceeding a validity-period of 3 weeks) and a valid certificate of vaccination against rabies (at least 1 month but not exceeding 1 year prior to arrival), are required by Customs upon arrival in Aruba. Although the importation of cats and dogs from South- and Central America are not allowed, an exception to this rule is made in situations of moving. Please, inform before arrival in Aruba at the ‘Veterinaire Dienst’ (Veterinary Department) of Aruba in case of plans to import other domestic animals than cats and dogs when moving to Aruba. The ‘Veterinaire Dienst’ can be reached by telephone (297) 850400, facsimile (297) 851828 or by e-mail: http://www.vetservice@setarnet.aw.

Post-importation of household effects

Occasionally, a person who has already moved to and resides in Aruba, wants to import his used personal household effects, which have not been moved to Aruba yet and were left behind in the country of former permanent residence. These used household effects may be entered into Aruba within a period of 1 year afterregistration at the ‘Bevolkingsregister’ (Civil Registration Office) of Aruba. If for one reason or another this period cannot be met, a motivated request for application of the exemption for this exceptional situation has to be presented to the Commissioner of Customs Aruba.

Declaration-procedures

To be eligible for the exemption a request-form ‘aanvraag verhuisboedelvrijstellingen’ (exemption request-form for removal goods) personally have to be delivered at the ‘Afdeling Techniek’ of Customs. Together with this form, an import-declaration for the removal-goods has to be presented. The import- declaration should be done on the ‘Single Document, model C 420’. In most cases the request-form will be presented to Customs simultaneously with the import- declaration. Both request-forms as well as forms for import-declarations, are available at Customs. However, a customs-broker can be of support in these procedures. In the yellow pages of the telephone directory of Aruba (see: ‘Customs Brokers’) many customs-brokers are listed.

For the duty-free exemption the following documents have to be presented to Customs:

• a completed Customs Form ‘aanvraag verhuisboedel vrijstellingen’;
• a copy of an identification-card;
• a list of removal-goods;
• a copy of ones registration in the ‘Bevolkingsregister van Aruba’ (Civil Registration Office);
• (airway-) bill of lading of the cargo-shipments;
• import declaration of goods on the Single Document, model C 420.

Furthermore, for motor vehicles etc. one should proof that the extra conditions as mentioned under par. 2 e and 2 f are met. The following documents of the country where the vehicle was used can be used as such:

• a certificate of title of the vehicle;
• license-card and –plates of the vehicle;
• a copy of vehicle-registration;
• a copy of the insurance for the use of the vehicle on public roads;
• an invoice of purchase of the vehicle

The import-declaration, exemption request-form and other documents have to be presented to the ‘Afdeling Techniek’ of Customs and Excise which will decide upon granting the exemption. The importation of removal-goods is subject to Customs examination. This examination can be carried out in the premises where the removal-goods are placed from the moment of importation until one month thereafter. In case of violations or irregularities penal sanctions can be imposed.

Procedure of objection

If your request for duty-free exemption is denied by Customs, you may present a motivated appeal to the Commissioner of Customs and Excise within a period of 1 month after the date when the decision was taken.

In case you disagree with his decision, you have the possibility to appeal to the

‘Raad van Beroep voor Belastingzaken’ (Council of Appeal in Tax affairs) within a period of 1 month after you have received the decision of the Commissioner.

Legal basis

The duty-free exemption for removal-goods is based on article 128, par. 1 sub 8, part d, and article 128b of the ‘Landsverordening In-, Uit- en Doorvoer (PB 1949, no. 62)’ and on article 7 of the ‘Landsbesluit ter uitvoering van artikel 128 Lv. IUD (PB 1973, no 41)’.

In case you have any comments or further questions, do not hesitate to contact a Customs-officer of the ‘Afdeling Techniek’.

Telephone:  (297) 582-1800 / 582-3082

Facsimile:  (297) 583-7164 / 583-6305

Email: asy@setarnet.aw

THANK YOU TO:
Hart Transport N.V.
Aruba
For Providing the above Customs Information

Please note:

The information on this page is intended as a guide and NOT as a complete or definitive resource.

The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.
Updated April, 2008

Guide to Argentina

Ports: Buenos Aires
Prohibited: Narcotics, Drugs, Explosives, Pornography
Cont: None

Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

Required Documents: (1) Only 2 bottles per adult person permitted (Tax free) (2) Possible import by separate Customs clearance. Packing List

Customs Regulations: Larger amounts are subject to confiscation. Taxes should be paid in case of using an import license (only granted one time to private immigrants)

Clearance: At least 15 days. Customer presence required for clearance? No

Remarks: It is recommended not to import alcoholic beverages in sealed bottles in conjunction with an HHG or personal effects shipment.

Diplomatic Removals

Required Documents: (1) OBL or Original 2 of AWB (2) Inventory List (3) A Diplomatic franchise granted by the Foreign Ministry subsequent to the diplomat’s arrival in the country.

Customs Regulations: Free entry of new and used household goods.

Clearance: 1 or 2 days upon arrival if Diplomatic Franquicia available. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: No tax on ocean freight will be paid by diplomatic shipments but they will pay port haulage and storage (No inclusion in door to door rates possible)

Firearms and Weapons

Required Documents: Declaration required prior to Customs inspection.  Sports weapons are allowed.  War arms (heavy weapons) are prohibited.  Proof of ownership required.

Customs Regulations: Several local authorities’ permissions have to be obtained.

Clearance: At least 15 days. Customer presence required for clearance?  Yes

Remarks: Firearms are always separated from other household goods. Thus it is recommendable to ship them near the doors of liftvans or containers, so that they can be taken out during Customs inspection at port/ airport of entry.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents: (1) OBL or AWB (2) Inventory of goods (3) Customer’s valid passport (4) Residence Visa for foreigners.

Customs Regulations: Used household goods are duty free. New items must be limited to US $600 per each adult person. Heavy taxes will be paid on all new items.

Clearance: For a ship, 3 or 4 days after arrival of ship. For airplane, 1 or 2 days after arrival. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Returning Argentine citizens must prove one full year of RESIDENCE ABROAD and show, by means of their passport, that during the year prior to last entry they spent no more than 40 DAYS IN ALL in Argentina in order to get free entry of used household goods. Foreigners must show a residence visa (permanent or at least for one year). Work contract will not be enough. Household goods shipments of returning Argentines or long standing foreign residents must arrive in the country no later than SIX MONTHS AFTER CUSTOMER. Shipments of foreign residents must arrive no later than SIX MONTHS after he obtains this visa while living in the country.

Note: Customer not required for clearance, provided he issues a notarized power of attorney in favor of another party, who must also submit customer’s valid passport showing he has already entered the country.

New Furniture

Required Documents: Within shipments of household goods and personal effects only up to US$600 per each adult person in the family. This applies for every other new item in the shipment. It is recommendable to ship only used furniture which pays no taxes at all. An allowance does not mean tax free. ALL NEW goods pay taxes.

Customs Regulations:

Clearance: Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Shipments of household goods to Argentina pay no taxes if goods are used. The allowance of US$ 600 per each adult person + US$ 300 per each child is subject to taxes.

Pets and Animals

Required Documents: (1) AWB/OBL (2) Veterinary Certificate attesting to the animal’s good health and issued by Argentine Consulate of the passenger’s country of residence

Customs Regulations: No duties paid

Clearance: 40+ days. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: The importation of other animals is prohibited

Vehicles - Diplomatic

Required Documents: (1) OBL (2) Purchase invoice (3) Title, with last two to both be notarized.

Customs Regulations: Diplomatic franchise.

Clearance: 10 days

Remarks: Only for diplomatic shipments.  Diplomats may import used and/or new cars.

Vehicles - Private

Required Documents: (1) Owner’s original passport (2) Original B/L’s (3) Complete Car Documentation (4) Original purchase receipt with a Visa stamped by an Argentinean Consulate

Customs Regulations: One auto per family

Clearance: Approx. 10 days

Remarks: Autos for private use are subject to duty (approximately 79%). Auto must enter within six months of the owner’s arrival.  Returning Argentinean Citizens and permanent residence may only import used cars.

Individuals with Temporary Visa’s may import used /or new cars via a temporary admission.

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Required Documents: (1) OBL or AWB (2) Inventory of goods (3) Customer’s valid passport (4) Residence Visa for foreigners.

Customs Regulations: Used household goods are duty free. New items must be limited to US $600 per each adult person. Heavy taxes will be paid on all new items

Clearance: For a ship, 3 or 4 days after arrival of ship. For airplane, 1 or 2 days after arrival. Customer presence required for clearance?  No

Remarks: Returning Argentine citizens must prove one full year of RESIDENCE ABROAD and show, by means of their passport, that during the year prior to last entry they spent no more than 40 DAYS IN ALL in Argentina in order to get free entry of used household goods. Foreigners must show a residence visa (permanent or at least for one year). Work contract will not be enough. Household goods shipments of returning Argentines or long standing foreign residents must arrive in the country no later than SIX MONTHS AFTER CUSTOMER. Shipments of foreign residents must arrive no later than SIX MONTHS after he obtains this visa while living in the country.

Note: Customer not required for clearance, provided he issues a notarized power of attorney in favor of another party, who must also submit customer’s valid passport showing he has already entered the country.

Other Regulations

As of June 1, 2005, Argentina has adopted and will be enforcing the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15).  Wood packing materials, such as crates, pallets and dunnage must be either heat treated or fumigated and officially marked under ISPM15.  Consult the appropriate customs officials for detailed information.  You may also find additional information on ISPM 15 at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/

Please note:

The information on this page is intended as a guide and  NOT as a complete or definitive resource.  The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.

Updated July, 2005

Guide to Armenia

DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR IMPORTING AND EXPORTING PERSONAL EFFECTS

Removal goods for diplomats

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Copy of passport showing client’s signature
• Detailed inventory, with serial numbers of electrical appliances, showing continuous numbers and signature of client
• Pro forma invoice
• Inventory, showing continuous numbers and signature of client
• OBL, CMR or air waybill (Embassy address + client name)

Removal goods for returning citizens

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Copy of passport showing client’s signature
• Packing list
• Pro forma invoice
• Valued, detailed inventory as per each kind of items, with serial numbers of electrical appliances, no boxes packed by owner, showing continuous numbers and signature of client
• OBL, CMR or air waybill
• (client name + passport number + social security card number+ official address + phone number)

REMARKS
Shipment is subject to import duties and taxes, 32 % on the CIF value

Removal goods for foreigners temporarily importing their hhg

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
copy passport showing client’s signature
copy of residence card
packing list
pro forma invoice
Valued, detailed inventory as per each kind of items, with serial numbers of electrical appliances, 3 photos of each carpet /painting /handcrafts, no boxes packed by owner, showing continuous numbers and signature of client
OBL, CMR or air waybill
(the client’s company tax code & customs file nr. must be indicated)
letter from client’s organization requesting the Customs Committee of Armenia for duty free import on temporary basis

REMARKS
It will be up to the customs committee if this is accepted or not and might take some time, from one till 4 weeks. The temporary import is available only for one year and all items must be examined and identified by customs. For some kind of items local certificates can be asked.
Removal goods for foreigners permanently importing their hhg
as per some recent changes this is not possible anymore !

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
copy passport showing client’s signature
copy of residence card
valued, detailed inventory as per each kind of items, with serial numbers of electrical appliances, no boxes packed by owner, showing continuous numbers and signature of client
pro forma invoice
OBL, CMR or air waybill

REMARKS
Shipment is subject to import duties and taxes, 32 % on the CIF value

Car for diplomats

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
copy passport showing client’s signature
technical passport of the car (original)
pro forma invoice or original purchase certificate
Interpol document showing car is not stolen
OBL or CMR

Car for returning citizens

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
copy passport showing client’s signature
copy social security card
technical passport of the car (original)
pro forma invoice or original purchase certificate
Interpol document showing car is not stolen
OBL or CMR

REMARKS
Shipment is subject to import duties and taxes, 32 % on the CIF value

Car for foreigners temporarily importing their hhg

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

copy passport showing client’s signature
copy residence card
technical passport of the car (original)
pro forma invoice or original purchase certificate
Interpol document showing car is not stolen
OBL or CMR
letter from client’s organization requesting customs committee for duty free import on temporary basis

REMARKS
It will be up to the customs committee if this is accepted or not and might take some time, from one till 4 weeks. The temporary import is available only for one year.
Car for foreigners permanently importing their hhg
as per some recent changes this is not possible anymore !

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
copy passport showing client’s signature
copy residence card
technical passport of the car (original)
pro forma invoice or original purchase certificate
Interpol document showing car is not stolen
OBL or CMR (issued as per our instructions) (do not forward until our OK)

REMARKS
Shipment is subject to import duties and taxes, 32 % on the CIF value

Please note:
The information on this page is intended as a guide and NOT as a complete or definitive resource.
The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.

Updated January, 2006

THANK YOU TO:

Gosselin Caucasus & Central Asia
For Providing the above Customs Information

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