Postal procedures for clearance of parcels |22 October 2010

Do you need a bill of entry for clearing goods at the post office?

All goods imported require a bill of entry, whether for commercial or personal use, regardless of whether they are coming by post or otherwise.

However the following guidelines can be used for postal operations:
Commercial importation:  
● Requires an import permit (for restricted goods) and bill of entry except in cases where the CIF value of the imported goods is less than R4,000. In such cases a credit receipt is used.
Non commercial/private importation -
● Tax payable is more than R500  –  requires an import permit and bill of entry.
● Tax payable is less than R500 – a credit receipt is used.

How do you know when to collect your parcel?
The postal authority produces a parcel slip for each package received, which is sent to the addressee on the parcel. This slip needs to be produced before the parcel is collected. The customer is required to produce his/her ID card to verify that he/she is indeed the owner of the parcel or has been authorised by the owner to collect the parcel. A customs officer will then examine the slip and, if satisfied, hand over the parcel.

Do I need to be present for the examination?
The customs officer has the power to open and examine any parcel, irrespective of whether the owner is present or not. Parcels that are opened are resealed after examination.

Will you be given feedback after the examination?
The parcel is examined for taxable, prohibited and restricted goods. Where an import permit or bill of entry is required, the customer will be informed and the parcel will be held until the required document is produced.

What type of document is used?
Where there is tax to be paid, the value on the parcel declaration or enclosed invoice are used for the tax value. The customer is issued with a receipt indicating the contents of the parcel, the value and the rate of tax to be paid.

What is the procedure for parcels destined for Praslin and La Digue?

Parcels for Praslin, La Digue and South Mahe are opened at the post office on Mahe in the presence of the customs officer and the parcel supervisor. The customs officer  completes two copies of a “dummy” bill of entry describing the goods.

If it is necessary, an assessment of the value of the parcel will be made. The original and duplicate entries are forwarded with the parcel to the post office on either Praslin or La Digue. When payment is made at either of these post offices, the original bill of entry is returned and filed, and the duplicate given to the importer.

Where do I go for more information?
For more information, contact us at the following address: Seychelles Revenue Commission, PO Box 50, Orion Mall, Victoria. Tel: 293737. Email: commissioner@src.gov.sc You can also visit our website: www.src.gov.sc

Contributed by the Seychelles Revenue Commission