This tax is imposed by the government on imports from other nations. Oftentimes, the words “tariff” and “duty” are used interchangeably. Import duty is the amount of money payable for an imported product, depending on the quantity imported. For example, say one imports a commodity into a country, they will have to pay an extra charge upon delivery. This additional charge on imported goods is often to render these goods less attractive so consumers can buy from the domestic market in their country instead. With the current transition towards online business, proprietors in the e-Commerce world have to look at how import duties influence their online businesses. Since online business activities are now being charged import duties and taxes. The amount of duty payable depends on the quantity of the products imported, the kind of products, and the source country. In Western Sahara, the Moroccan government is in charge of collecting import duties and imposing import rules.
If you are an importer looking to learn about import duties here, this is an article about import duties in Western Sahara and other information you need to know.
What it is
These are taxes imposed by certain bodies when goods are brought into a country. The worth of the goods imported decides the duty taxed by the government. The levy is often interchanged with customs duties, tariffs, or import taxes. They are charged to create revenue for the country and to shield native goods against the ascendency of foreign products. They are imposed to prevent foreign goods from flooding the local market.
Western Sahara is a disputed territory and its international status is not fully recognized. This is why the import duties in the country may vary depending on which authority is in control of the territory. Currently, the majority of the territory is controlled by Morocco, and goods imported into the territory are liable to Moroccan customs regulations and duties. According to the Moroccan government, the standard tariff for imports into the country at an average rate of 27.5 percent ad valorem. However, it is unclear if the same rates apply to imports into Western Sahara, as the status of the territory is disputed.
The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement interested in seeking independence for the country set its customs regulations for areas under its control here. According to the Polisario Front, import duties have varying rates, although this may vary depending on the type of goods being imported. However, due to the complex and disputed political situation in the territory, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a customs broker or legal expert before attempting to import goods into the territory.
How they are charged
They vary from country to country. Generally, they are charged as a cent of the customs value, including insurance and shipping charges. People are often unaware of the import duties charged on their shipments. However, as a business owner, informing your international customers of the levied duty is quite substantial. This way, they are not shocked when they have to pay an additional charge upon delivery. They can easily calculate the tax to be paid based on their country’s rate and sum that to the price of the product they wish to buy. This also applies to importers bringing goods into the country for the first time. If you are not sure how to calculate import duty, you may consult a professional or a business support company.
Note that importers are required to pay the levy before clearance at the borders. When they fail to pay these levied duties, they may face financial fines, penalties, and even confiscation of imported goods by customs.
