NEW TAX AND FEE RULES FOR WOODCARVINGS CERTAIN TO ROCK THE BOAT IN TANZANIA
(Posted 13th March 2015)
Incredible news are coming in from Tanzania that the government there, cash strapped ahead of the upcoming general elections, is seeking to fill its coffers from the pockets of tourists who have bought wood carvings while on safari or a beach vacation in the country
The range of comments received are frankly unprintable, which speaks for the vehemence of the sentiments of the tourism industry, again feeling unfairly targeted by the new charges, which, although applying only to tourists who bought carvings, will nevertheless reverberate across the sector.
‘I am speechless. First they mess us up when they failed to show for talks with Kenya and as a result we cannot access JKIA in Nairobi. Then they mess us up more by leaving Tanzania out in the cold over the common tourist Visa and Visa free travel by expatriates which is now reality between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. What next I am now wondering’ quipped a regular contributor from Arusha when discussing the latest own goal Tanzania’s government has scored.
The following details were provided yesterday:
Start quote:
The Tanzanian Government has introduced inspection fees and certificates for all wood carvings bought by tourists during their stay here. This will be implemented on departure from the country.
INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ITEMS VALUE UNDER
>VALUE $ 300.00
>RATE $ 16.00
>INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ITEMS VALUE OVER
> VALUE$ 300.00
> RATE$ 70.00
>ROYALTY PER 1 KG. – $ 2.50
>EXPORT PERMIT CERTIFICATE VALUE UNDER
>VALUE $ 300.00
> RATE $ 21.00
>EXPORT PERMIT CERTIFICATE VALUE OVER
> VALUE $ 300.00
> RATE $ 70.00
End quote
As usual were no official comments available over the reasons of the new levies and taxes aimed entirely at tourists who had spent hard earned money to support local carving cooperatives or small scale business owners dealing in curios, souvenirs and carvings.
Some tour and safari operators are already preparing to include the ‘DO NOT BUY ANY WOOD CARVINGS’ warnings in their briefing documents, so that their clients are not harassed, inconvenienced and by and large fleeced when exiting the country.
The hardest hit though will be traders, carvers and business owners whom this latest folly could easily put out of business for good, a scorching own goal considering that elections are looming and that very likely will the votes of those affected go to the opposition. Watch this space for future updates as and when available.
