Why do they charge you at the airport for your cell phones when you arrive in Jamaica?

Question

Is it a law? They charged my mother for the phone she was bringing for my aunt. Is there a law against taking a cell phone to JA ?

All imformation are welcomed!

Answer 1

Probably in case you plan to sell it in Jamaica you wont gain anything.... I think they're charging you the tax rate or customs duties on the item..  I believe the airports generally only charge you on things you're bringing in if your item looks 1) new or 2) still is in the original box/packaging and it looks like you planning to give it away or sell it.

Answer 2

If it is still packaged and does not look like her personal cell phone they will charge her a customs duty with the rationale that she may intend to sell it. If she does not want this to happen again she should remove the phone from its original packaging and have it as if it is her cell phone. It is not a custom to charge for cell phones. They charge for anything, even clothes with the tag on, that looks as if you could sell it.

Answer 3

The customs laws place taxes (or tariffs) on the import of certain items for several reasons. These may include,

1. To generate revenue.

2. To limit the amount of consumption of or demand for foreign goods. Money spent on a phone or car beign imported, typically means money that has left our economy.

3. To create a disincentive to the purchase and import of goods that are damaging to the society such as cigarettes and other tobacco products. Huge gas-gussling vehicles also fit into this category, with duties of 180% being applied. This woudl mean paying additional US$180,000 in customs duty for a US$100,000 mercedes S550.

EXEMPTIONS FOR PERSONAL ITEMS

The laws allow for up to about US$500 per passenger, per trip or per year for personal items. The defination of such 'personal items' is narrowly construed. You can carry a celular phone, but not TWO. You generally cannot carry a phone (or other personal electronic device such as a tv or radio) for another person, especially if it is in a condition that would allow resale. They coudl still charge you duties if its an old device, but most customs officers ignore 'sufficiently used' items once you are not importing them in quantity.

Answer 4

I think its customs duty.No there is no law but you have to pay  to bring certain items into the country.Mostly electronics