If anyone knows any US or other business that's in the practice of giving away its goods free, please tell me. Otherwise, what is shown on an invoice as having no charge, or isn't shown at all, is not free but its cost is covered by the other items. Some years ago there was an English learned judge who, in refusing a claim by the UK equivalent of the IRS to impose a tax on somebody, said "Income Tax is, as I understand it, a tax on income, so first the (IRS) has to establish that there was some income". How can Belizean Customs decide that an arms-length commercial transaction has been understated in value? (I can see, however distasteful it may sometimes appear, how they can impute values in transactions that are not strictly commercial, such as a charitable donation).

The invoice needs to specifically state that the freight costs to the port are included. If not, Customs will assume that there was a separate charge.

There is a big difference between freight shipping goods and bringing them in yourselves through an International Gateway, such as Intl Airport. Bringing things for schools and charities is not uncommon and the airport customs are pretty good, and fair, as long as you are up front and honest with them and have a plausible story.

When goods are freight shipped you need to use a customs broker to clear goods through customs and this is when you absolutely have to have clear invoicing that's in good order and have any relevant import permits in place. Leave any room for error and it will result in just that - you tend to learn fairly quickly and it's an ongoing process. Try to ensure your suppliers are diligent with their paperwork, get a good customs broker, build a relationship and stick with them through thick and thin - not easy to do if you are a casual shipper, so to speak. I also believe it's standard to pay Duty on the freight shipping costs to Belize - which I've never quite understood, but who says you should?

Customs will also use the internet to find retail pricing of goods and it can be very difficult to explain you bought things wholesale, or worse there was a special wholesale deal or you buy x and get y free. It's difficult for both sides too remember - I am sure some do try and cheat.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a good customs broker in Belize?
Thanks

Customs and Excise Department's Senior Examiner... Mr. Henry Marsden. hmarsden@btl.net. He's in charge at Phillip Goldson Intl. Airpot. Also the website is www.customs.gov.bz. for info on bringing in goods.

On the other hand...just got back from Belize. Brought in 2 large Rubbermaid containers of household goods for a condo on AC. Declared goods with a value of $500. The customs agent looked through both containers and charged no duty. Go figure. The only thing that is consistent is the inconsistency. Thats why I love it.

Sorry if my message was unclear. Brought back a bottle of One Barrel from Belize to Austin and am enjoying the fruits of my labor. My new drink of choice. The containers I was referring to were brought in from the US to Belize. Customs agent was very nice.

Yep, we had the same experience at the airport. We told them about everything we had and were shocked at how little they charged us. But as CasaC said, it's probably very different with freight shipments.

IMHO, Customs at the airport are looking for spendy items like TVs, etc. We brought down housewares for our new condo and declared them.......the customs agent laughed and sent us on our way. I shaked his hand and said I was told when it comes down to declaring to customs that "honesty was the best policy". He smiled and said you're absolutely right! You have a better chance of walking away without paying duty and some items IF you're up front and declare them.......try to hide them and you're headed for deep sh_t!

When we came down we brought a suitcase (60lb)full of crayons, notebooks, books & toys for the library.
When I asked earlier on the board I was told not to list them. When we went through customs they didn't even ask or check our bags.