The Customs Division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission is urging importers and clearing agents to verify and ensure all their documents are in order, before arriving at New Port for clearance and release of their personal vehicles.
Over these past few weeks, Customs have recorded several issues relating to incorrect or incomplete documentation from importers and clearing agents, which has thus caused unnecessary delays.
Prior to importing a vehicle into Seychelles, the importer must hold an invoice detailing the cost of the vehicle, the identification number, the year of manufacture, model, engine capacity, vehicle type (hybrid, electric), fuel type, the identification number as well as the suppliers’ information.
The importer must also hold an approved import permit issued by the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade and must note that the provisional import permit is not considered as a valid import permit by Customs. In line with the Customs Management (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations 2019, importers not holding a valid import permit may be penalized to payment of a fine, seizure of their vehicle or both.
Other documents required upon importation of a personal vehicle comprised of the auction sheet which provides a complete overview of the condition of the vehicle, the bill of lading, the export certificate from country of origin which states the surety of the vehicle legalization, the proof of payment or bank transfer of the personal vehicle, the freight invoice, as well as insurance details (as applicable).
To note, over these past years there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles imported for personal use in the Seychelles. In 2022, a total of 121 personal vehicles were cleared by Customs whilst in 2023 from January to June only, the total of imported personal vehicles amounted to 96.
Importers of personal vehicles are being reminded to ensure that their vehicle is in conformity with the import permit issued prior to importation to Seychelles, as any case of non-compliance may result in the vehicle being confiscated upon arrival into the country, of which appropriate actions will be taken as per the Customs Management Act, 2011.