I wonder whether other people importing goods for business have the same experiences that I do. I recently brought in a shipment from Miami, made up of goods from several suppliers in different parts of the US. In all cases the suppliers did not charge separately for shipment of their goods to Miami; in one case the goods were discounted (which is why I bought them) and shown as such on the invoice; in one case some items were listed separately with no cost shown (they formed part of another item that was priced); and in one case some items were given free as an incentive according to the size of the order, and again accurately described on the invoice.

Belize Customs have decided to impute delivery charges within the US as an additional 10%-15% of the value of the entire order. They have also decided to invent values for all items not shown as having a specific value.

The result is a total dutiable amount that is some 25% higher than I have actually paid. And it seems there is absolutely nothing I can do about it - pay up or have the goods confiscated.

Any comments?

No comments of consolation but Belize is so broke it's looking for any and every way to lay hands on cash. GOB scraped money together to make a debt service payment of some size not too long ago and that's probably what they have to continue to do. Fees, fines, duties are a good source.

Pedro, Have experieced exactly the same things you mentioned. My husband had shipped 10 boxes of donated medical supplies from the hospital. When they arrived at customs(and it was specified that the items were for the Polyclinic) they still charged over $600. When we tried to tell them the items were donated were told if we continued to protest they'd set it higher!

How about this...

I brought in and donated about 150 lbs of supplies for the village public school. Pens, pencils and spiral notebooks.

Customs was not impressed. Paid the duties. Go figure.

Hope it doesn't effect donations. Since we have to pay the shipping costs and they are usually big items like exam tables , or lights etc. it can get pretty expensive.

"A donation is a gift to a fund or cause, usually for charitable reasons." www.dictionary.com

I guess you will have to stop "doing it"

I said that to remind you that you are in theory, in the act of giving. Otherwise you are not. ?
Giving is great. give something else instead then. IN fact Give belize a brand new one, just like yours at home.. Now that would be truly giving ...

This is truly unfortunate. With the severe increase in media covered crime and scuba accidents coupled with the over zealousness of Customs Officials, Belize is getting a tremendous black-eye with the media and traveling public. Belize has so many positive things to offer, it is a travesty that the PR is so negative. And so it goes. Maybe it will just make it less crowded for those of us who "Belize It" Sad.

Does anyone have a clue what Pohn Jane is saying, or is it me?

I believe he is telling me I am not giving in the right spirit. Twenty lashes for moi!

Either you are "giving" or you are letting loose of your "extra"