2 Legal Ways To Save On Customs Duty Cost In The Bahamas

Living in The Bahamas is expensive. Anywhere and everywhere you can save a few dollars you should. One way to save is to import your items yourself. But even then considering customs duty, VAT, and shipping cost it can be pricey to do that. So in this article, I want to share 3 legal ways to save on customs duty costs.

Buy A Bundle

If you order an item that is a package consisting of multiple items, you can save on duty if the main item has a low duty rate, even though the other items may have a high duty rate.

For example, if you are starting your photography business you’ll be happy to know that cameras are duty-free. But if you are going to be a photographer, you’ll need more than just a camera. You’ll need lighting, extra batteries and a carry bag for example. If you buy these items separately, you’ll have to pay duty based on each item’s classification. But if you find a package that is the camera, including all the additional accessories for one price, it all will have to be classified as a camera.

Another example is a computer. Computers are duty-free, but if you buy the monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately you’ll have to pay duty on each of those items separately. Better to buy a computer that includes all the accessories you need.

It’s easy to find bundles online. Include the word bundle or kit after the main item you want to purchase in order to see options on online stores such as Amazon and Walmart. eBay is also a good option as people tend to sell all the accessories with the used items they are selling.

Check If You’re Qualified For An Exemption

In addition to the $500 exemption the Government provides twice a year to returning citizens and residents, there are other exemptions that may apply to you if importing your items through a shipping company.

Religious Organizations

If you are importing items for a church, such as musical instruments, sound equipment, or air conditioning units, you can be exempted from duty if you write to the minister for approval in advance.

Church buses are also exempted from customs as long as the bus is no more than eight years old. This exemption is only allowed every 5 years, however.

Returning From Living Abroad

Another example is if you were living abroad for 2 or more years. You can be exempted from duty for all your household goods, clothes, books, and one vehicle that’s valued up to $30,000.

This isn’t for anyone though. You have to be retired, have been working or in school full-time, and were a citizen or resident before you left The Bahamas. This exemption is limited to once every 5 years.

Other Examples

Other examples of customs duty exemptions are if you are importing a Taxi or items used to repair dilapidated buildings for commercial, social, or educational purposes.