Collecting your items from the main Parcel Office when you buy from abroad

Thanks for your input.

I am aware of the problem of lost packages and I shudder at the thought of it happening to me. People are really careful and they scrutinise sellers before they make purchases from them. So while it's true the sellers have done their bit and shipped the parcel, it does, in my opinion, get to Mauritius subsequently but then gets stolen here because of a lack of policies which would render Mauritius Post accountable for non-delivered items.

I only use websites/sellers where I have customer protection, that is, in the event of non delivery, I get my money reimbursed. So most parcels are sent with a tracking number but the frustrating part is that they are traceable up until they reach Mauritius. Once here, you do not know what's happening with your parcel unless you get the yellow card or the postman tells you to come collect it from the local Post Office branch. I'm talking about China Post/Hong Kong Post and not DHL which is super expensive for shipping but gives you peace of mind.

I've heard they are trying to get zip code up and running in Mauritius and the target is by the end of 2013. Let's see if on top of making their sorting more easy, it makes their delivery more efficient as well.

I have heard of problems with packages going missing but I have ordered around 30 since the beginning of the year and have received all of them. Its pretty annoying that most sellers on eBay and Amazon no longer ship to Mauritius because of items going missing.

The permit is probably the ICTA type approval, for this you need to know the make/model of the laptop, see the explanation on http://www.yashvinblogs.com/icta-import-permit/

If the parcel is being sent by a known courier service like DHL, UPS, TNT then they have their own custom broker service and they will clear your parcel. As you mention a tax on electronic equipment is charged by customs. Note, they will still need the ICTA permit from you to clear the parcel.

If not the case, then you will have to find/pay a customs broker, see list on http://www.customshousebrokers.com/en/members.html

I believe this question has already been answered, see:

How to obtain Declaration of Conformity

All packages are opened at the Parcel Office and they call you there so that they can do it in front of you. If they think the value of an item is more than what is stated, they can make you pay what they believe it's worth, ignoring completely your purchase receipt.

You need to have a bank card which you can use online, credit cards are usually fine but not all debit cards work even if they have the Visa sign on.

Used items require an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce and you'll need a customs broker for items over Rs30K.

For the 50 rings, you'll definitely have to pay VAT.

50 rings cost Rs 910 !!!!
i have another questions:
1. can i buy rings,necklace,chain,bracelet and sell again,for example 100 pieces????
vat is only 15%

You don't pay custom charges when it's unsolicited, when you're making purchases it's different. However some items I bought were delivered directly to my house, so I didn't pay any charges for them. So it's half and half but you should always take into account the worst case scenario.

VAT is 15% fixed but some items also carry a custom duty fee. Please check the link in the article above to find out more.

yes I ordered one from Alibaba .It has been blocked at the main Post Office.Now I have to furnish full specifications + a certificate of conformity which I am waiting from the supplier but I think it does not have one with items to be certified as required by ICTA.What a hassle .Retrogressing'my Dear Mauritius.

You will either be sent a card to pick it up at your local post office or you may have to go to the central one in Port Louis. Either way bring your invoice with you just in case. You may want to call the Post Office every few days because they are a little slow when a package arrives into the country.

Most people trading on ebay do not want their feedback tarnished as that affects their business badly and will either refund or send the item again but then they blacklist Mauritius. This is why there's just a few sellers who are ready to ship here.

Well it comes under consumables I would check with customs first, you might need a permit, check before you order

Hi guys,
For everyone who wish to import something, please check The Mauritius Chamber of commerce and industry web site

For your information please follow the link below the HSCode "food supplements for general health and well being"

HSCode 21069030 or 22051010

I notice that you will need a Food and Drug permit for you supplements

http://www.mcci.org/tradecustomslocal.aspx

Was is tracked? If it was in February then you may have missed your chance for a refund, you have 45 days to open a dispute with Paypal, they would refund your money. Where was the item coming from? Depending where it was coming from it takes up to 60 to reach here.

I bought the battery from China, it was not tracked and the seller told me that delivery will be very slow to Mauritius may be about 40 working days.

If it was eBay you should have opened a dispute, you would have been fully refunded. Delivery from China is slow but I have gotten packages in two weeks so its gamble.

Do you think I should enquire at our main parcel office first before taking any action?

You could phone them up and see if they can help but like I said you are most probably going to lose your money because it has passed 45 days so you won't be able to get a refund or replacement.

Thanks for the info Mike, really helpful. Would you be able to tell how much a parcel of 1kg costs using this service and how long it takes to get delivered here?

1kg is around Rs.576 but you need to add duty (if any) + taxes + fuel surcharge approx. Rs.69. They do the calculation of all required MUR taxes/duty depending on the articles. These you prepay with the shipping cost. Nothing to pay when delivered to your door. They have a calculator available on their website and all you need is the value of the item(s).

WHat if the parcels exceed Rs 30000? Can DHL clear it for you without the need of a custom broker?

Yep, the limit has already been raised from Rs10,000 to Rs30,000 :)

My friend bought an iPhone from eBay but because it was very expensive he had to get a broker. You shouldn't have problems, what do you mean customs might block it because of network?

I don't know about it, a friend of mine told me they might blocked it at the customs about network stuff. Since, your friend bought the Iphone, I think it's not the case. Yeah we must use a custom broker if the value of the object extends over Rs 30,000. I am planning to buy a tablet but the seller is from US, I am just afraid that it might not arrive in Mauritius.

@Santosh : Any telecommunication equipment requires an import permit from the ICTA. So customs would only release your mobile phone upon seeing this document. Here's a link to the application form:

Type Approval of Radio Communication and Telecommnication

You should have obtained your permit prior to making your purchase from eBay (this can take several weeks). Otherwise you will end up paying a lot as postal charges for the number of days your mobile phone is in their custody.

Regarding your second comment, if you're buying a tablet, use a courier like DHL where you can easily track your parcel and in case of non-delivery, they will be liable for your loss.

Thank you gices, can I buy by using courier like Fedex? A lot of sellers on ebay propose this option. I rarely see DHL mentioned by the seller

@Santosh : Yep, Fedex is good too. On a side note, please click on the "Comment" button to reply messages to keep the comments organised.

Did anyone ever applied for the ICTA permit?

@Muzzammil : Why? You looking to get one?

Yep, lucky is the right word. There are many untold stories about parcel loss here.