How to obtain exemption on foreign currency dutiable goods

Following the announcement made by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development on 22 November 2018 during his budget statement, the Minister designated certain products, whose duties, taxes, fees and levies shall be paid in foreign currency on importation.

The list of designated foreign currency dutiable goods is contained in the Statutory Instrument 252A of 23 November 2018.

To ensure uniformity of application of the provisions of Statutory Instrument 252A the following guidelines are to be used in the clearance of the designated foreign currency dutiable goods.

Every person who has any designated goods under Customs or Bonded Warehouses shall pay duty in foreign currency. Please note that any person also includes companies.

The detained, seized and warehoused designated foreign currency dutiable goods shall be exempted from payment of duty in foreign currency provided that:

1. The person obtains an approval for exemption from the Regional Manager within forty-two days, which period starts from 22 November 2018 to 3 January 2019.

2. Motor vehicle imported under the suspension of duty for the physically handicapped persons, VAT payable shall be exempt from the provisions of the Statutory Instrument 252 A of 2018.

PROCESS OF OBTAINING EXEMPTION APPROVAL:

The person clearing any designated foreign currency dutiable goods, which require an exemption, shall lodge an application to the Regional Manager through the Station Manager at the port of entry through which the goods are being imported.

The following documents are required in support of the application:

- The written application through the station manager requesting for exemption
- The Receipt for Items Held (R.I.H)
- Bill of entry if already processed
- Notice of Seizure
- Postal Detention Notice
- Invoice for the goods / Till Slip
- Proof of payment being telegraphic transfer or bank statement
- Proof of travel if applicable
- Proof of consignment such as Airway bill, bill of lading Rail Advise, Road consignment note/Manifest etc. and any other relevant supporting transaction documents.

The Regional Manager shall process the application and directly communicate his decision to the client. Once the decision has been received, the client is required to approach the Station Manager and finalise the clearance process.

If the client is not satisfied with the decision made by the Regional Manager, an appeal may be submitted through the Regional Manager for the Commissioner's consideration.

NB*: The travellers rebate will be treated in the normal way.