Customs Duty Exemption, Frequently Asked Questions:
What does the exemption order do?
The exemption Order will allow importers to import the selected goods into the Turks and Caicos Islands duty free.
What goods are listed under the current Customs Order?
For full details of the items listed under the Order, you may visit the TCI Customs Department website at www.customs.gov.tc
However, below are a list of items that are currently included in the Customs Order:
Selected Building materials, namely:
Concrete Blocks
Sheetrock
Aggregate/Fill/Material/Asphalt
Lumber
Plywood
Structural steel and sheets
Fasteners (screws, nails, bolts)
Zinc sheets and other roofing material
Electrical conduits, boxes, fixtures, wires etc.
Plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures
Finishing materials (paint, shore coat, etc.)
Windows and doors materials
Hurricane straps
Floor finishes (hardwood flooring, tiles, stain, varnish, etc.)
Construction tools and equipment(excluding equipment under chapter 84 of the Customs Tariff such as Work Trucks, Cranes, Excavators, Fork lift Trucks, Bulldozers, Levelers and similar equipment)
Electrical wires
Fencing
Roof Sealing
Selected Furniture, namely:
Sofa
Love seat
Accent chairs
Cocktail table
Sofa table
End table
Bed frame
Bed headboard
Bed footboard
Dining room table
Dining room and chairs
Mattress
Box spring
Dresser and mirror
Nightstands
Chest of drawers
Selected Appliances, namely
Television (one per importer/declarant)
Refrigerator
Stove
Microwaves
When does the order expire?
The Current Customs Order expires on the 31st of March 2018, at 11:59pm.
What happens if my goods are shipped before the order expires but arrives after the order expires?
In order to qualify for this Customs duty exemption the goods must be “landed” in the Turks and Caicos before the expiry of the Order on the 31st January 2018.
***Landed means the date that the vessel or aircraft arrives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Who do I contact to benefit from the Customs Order?
To benefit from this Customs Order a written request must be submitted to the Collector of Customs, requesting the exemption and producing documents stipulated in the order.
What are the contact details for those who process these request?
The Concessions desk contacts are as follows:
gmoultrie@gov.tc or 338-5500
drobinson@gov.tc or 2442355
ldmalcolm@gov.tc or 3313221 or 2313221
For General Inquiries:
Providenciales:
cmwilliams@gov.tc or 2459205
rggibbs@gov.tc or 2414260
jharry@gov.tc or 2448049
Grand Turk:
ncgarland@gov.tc or 2417454
ljoutten@gov.tc or 2411941
dsmith@gov.tc or 2310819
What supporting documents do I need to provide to benefit from the order?
Your letter to the Collector must be accompanied by the following:
Proof of ownership of the property, or long term residence there
Proof of damage to the property
Proof of damage to the furniture and appliances
Invoices for good replaced/purchased
Who qualifies under the order?
Only individuals qualify under the order, Businesses and Companies do not qualify.
Do I need to bring hard copies to the office or may documents be scanned and emailed?
You may drop copies to the office, and you may also scan and email to us.
What can be used to show proof of ownership of property?
As proof of ownership of property, you may submit a copy of the register page for the property, which is obtained from the Land Registry.
What may be used to show long term residence at the property?
A sworn Affidavit to that effect, lease or utility bills.
Does the Exemption cover the 7.5% Customs Processing Fee?
No, the exemption is a full duty exemption ONLY, which means that you will pay 0% duty, but the 7.5% Customs Processing Fee must be paid in full.
What happens if items acquired abroad are not shipped in my name?
In your letter to us, you must indicate that the goods belong to you but was consigned to another individual, and produce documents requested.
What happens if the land documents are in my wife’s name, but the items are shipped in my name?
In this case you would apply in the usual way stating this in your letter, and producing a copy of your marriage certificate.
What happens if I have items which are not on the exemption list?
If you have imported items not on the exemption list, they will not be duty free, and you will have to pay the full duty rate.
What happens if I am granted the exemption but some of the items arrive in a later shipment?
Once you have been approved for the concession and items are short shipped, you will not have to be processed again, and you will not have to pay again. Your broker will use the same letter and follow the procedure for short-shipments. You must ensure that the Department is notified of a short shipment either directly or through your broker.
What happens if I am renting an apartment, but the furniture and appliances belong to me, would I be covered by the order?
Yes, if you are able to satisfy the Concessions desk that you are the owner.
What happens if I have multiple shipments? For example, Rooms to g o shipped my furniture on the 13th of January, Brandsmart shipped my appliances on the 24th of January, and Home Depot shipped my ceiling fans on the 14th of February?
Each shipment will require approval. This means that request will be made in each case.
Once I have received approval what do I do then?
Your approval letter must be submitted to your Broker (if you have one), who will attach it to you Customs Declaration, so that you pay 0% duty.
ENDS
