The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has introduced a new non-refundable fee of Rs 150 for imported parcels received by post or courier, effective September 1. This measure applies to goods not intended for sale, including personal purchases. The fee is categorized into two types: Category II, for parcels valued up to Rs 1,000, and Category III, for parcels valued above Rs 1,000.
Consumers have expressed concerns as they face additional fees beyond the MRA's Rs 150 charge. Courier services, such as Celero, are imposing extra charges for services like customs evaluation, verification of declared value, and administrative tasks. For instance, Celero charges an "Assessment Fee" of Rs 100 plus tax, which adds to the MRA's fee.
The impact of these additional fees is particularly noticeable for small purchases. A parcel valued at a few hundred rupees with free delivery may incur significant extra costs upon arrival in Mauritius. For example, a customer who ordered two small items on AliExpress reported being charged Rs 115 per parcel by Celero, in addition to the MRA's Rs 150 fee.
The situation varies depending on the courier service and the parcel's value. Celero states that it has not introduced new fees for Category III parcels, but existing brokerage fees still apply, along with the MRA's treatment fee. Consumers must also consider potential customs duties and taxes, which depend on the type of goods imported.
According to MRA rules, Category II parcels valued up to Rs 1,000 are generally exempt from customs duties and taxes, provided certain conditions are met. In contrast, Category III parcels may be subject to duties and taxes based on the goods' nature.
As a result, the final cost of an online purchase can be substantially higher than the initial price. The combination of the MRA's fee, courier charges, brokerage, and potential customs duties and taxes can significantly increase the cost of recovering a parcel in Mauritius.
Consumer reactions to these changes have been mixed, with some individuals taking to social media to share their experiences and concerns. While some reports suggest that the additional fees can be substantial, these accounts are anecdotal and may not be representative of all importers.
Key points
- The MRA's new fee applies to all imported parcels, with Category II parcels valued up to Rs 1,000 and Category III parcels valued above Rs 1,000.
- Courier services like Celero are imposing additional fees for services such as customs evaluation and administrative tasks.
- The total cost of an imported parcel in Mauritius can be significantly higher than the initial purchase price due to various fees and potential customs duties.
