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Does USVI customs charge the excise tax for non-business use on appliances? This is the only thing I can find, and it implies that there are no excise taxes for personal use:
[i]Articles imported into the U.S. Virgin Islands for use or resale in a trade or business are subject to an excise tax. Because the USVI is outside the U.S. customs zone, foreign (non-U.S.) made goods are also subject to a customs duty which is separate from the U.S. customs duty. The rate of excise tax on most goods is 4%, while the rate on certain products, such as cigarettes, is higher. Alcoholic beverages are subject to a flat rate based on volume. Certain other goods are subject to a lower rate of excise tax, and most tourist items, such as jewelry, watches, crystal, artwork, electronic goods, and leather goods, are exempt entirely. Tourist items are also exempt from the 6% U.S. Virgin Islands customs duty
I am shipping appliances from US to STT and have been asked to provide info on country of origin. I can't seem to find any comprehensive sources, and have not been able to get confirmation from GE and Kitchenaid yet.
Posted : July 28, 2009 3:19 pm
The tax on non US made goods is 6%. The 4% excise tax no longer applies for personal items.
Posted : July 28, 2009 3:25 pm
Topic starter
Thanks Pia,
Do you know what the definition of a US made good is? - can parts be from elsewhere?
Is there any place that lists the country of origin for major appliances (since the manufacturers sites don't seem to mention this)? Does customs abide by whatever the box says?
Posted : July 28, 2009 4:03 pm
They do on St. Croix. I shipped some Jenn-Air appliances from Florida last year and the paperwork provided by the store (BrandsMart) did not specify the country of origin. The Customs agent told me I needed to provide proof of country of origin before he would release them. I checked the Jenn-Air website and talked to their customer service department without success. I went back to Customs and they said to go to the warehouse and have them check the boxes. The warehouse guys (Tropical Shipping) checked them with me and although the boxes did not say made in the USA, they did not specify any other country either. The warehouse guy noted this on the paperwork and the Customs guy accepted it as made in the US. I also shipped down a TV at the same time (Samsung) which the box stated was made in Mexico, so I did have to pay tax on that.
Posted : July 29, 2009 3:04 am
