Bonaire airport customs starting to tax personal baggage items

[NothingClever]

Anybody explored shipping their DPV in advance via DHL Express?

 

[arew+4]

did yo take a Dpv?

No just a 3-5k worth of typical dive and photo gear

 

[CT Sean]

Let us know if you got taxed! I'm considering booking a trip but might change my mind if so. Thanks!

They already posted their experience a couple posts above you - in response 45:

Yesterday aside from passport control there was zero customs presence. Just one or two officer types in baggage area. No one paying any special attention to what was on the carousel. They could be looking in the back area before the belt comes out but I saw no unusual activity.

 

[dnh]

As a fellow tech diver, this is concerning. Would make me rethink Bonaire as a dive vacation. As tech divers, we regularly bring expensive equipment and many of the items are over $500, especially once we bring rebreathers, more like over $5000!

 

[scubadada]

As a fellow tech diver, this is concerning. Would make me rethink Bonaire as a dive vacation. As tech divers, we regularly bring expensive equipment and many of the items are over $500, especially once we bring rebreathers, more like over $5000!

You should stay away, go someplace else.

 

[Diver-6873]

You should stay away, go someplace else.

Why … nothing unusual is happening. Tech and rebreather divers arrive everyday on island without issue.

 

[Nettles]

Why … nothing unusual is happening. Tech and rebreather divers arrive everyday on island without issue.

FWIW, a couple of weeks ago the customs guy stopped me as I was wheeling two big bags out of the luggage area and asked what was inside. When told "dive gear" he started to look officious but then my lovely bride popped her head out from behind me and said "and clothes and stuff for two weeks".

He looked a little disappointed/deflated and waved us past. Very quick exchange.

 

[tursiops]

In post #48, it was suggested that someone ought to check with one of the tech shops/instructors on the island to see what they know of this.
So I did.
The response was that they knew nothing of such a problem, and they even checked with customs who explained that nothing had changed. They even quoted the response from customs:

"Privately owned scuba gear that is part of an individual’s luggage is exempt from Customs duties when visiting the island.​

Seizure of goods only occurs when individuals fail to comply with the law.​

In certain cases, depending on the circumstances and level of risk, a temporary customs declaration may be required. This may apply to:​

• Individuals who live on the island,
• Property owners on the island, or
• Those who provide false statements regarding the value of the equipment.

The temporary declaration, along with a bond, ensures that the scuba gear is re-exported upon departure from the island.​

To avoid delays upon arrival, individuals can complete this declaration in advance with the assistance of an authorized customs broker.​

There is no need for concern as long as one complies with the law."​

So we appear to have a one-off event caused by an over-zealous customs agent.

If you choose to avoid Bonaire, fine; those of us who continue to go there probably will not miss you.

 

[tursiops]

In post #48, it was suggested that someone ought to check with one of the tech shops/instructors on the island to see what they know of this.
So I did.
The response was that they knew nothing of such a problem, and they even checked with customs who explained that nothing had changed. They even quoted the response from customs:

"Privately owned scuba gear that is part of an individual’s luggage is exempt from Customs duties when visiting the island.​

​

Seizure of goods only occurs when individuals fail to comply with the law.​

​

In certain cases, depending on the circumstances and level of risk, a temporary customs declaration may be required. This may apply to:​

• Individuals who live on the island,
• Property owners on the island, or
• Those who provide false statements regarding the value of the equipment.

"The temporary declaration, along with a bond, ensures that the scuba gear is re-exported upon departure from the island.​

​

To avoid delays upon arrival, individuals can complete this declaration in advance with the assistance of an authorized customs broker.​

There is no need for concern as long as one complies with the law."​

So we appear to have a one-off event caused by an over-zealous customs agent.
If someone chooses to not go to Bonaire, fine. You probably won't be missed.

 

[Rodney H]

In post #48, it was suggested that someone ought to check with one of the tech shops/instructors on the island to see what they know of this.
So I did.
The response was that they knew nothing of such a problem, and they even checked with customs who explained that nothing had changed. They even quoted the response from customs:

"Privately owned scuba gear that is part of an individual’s luggage is exempt from Customs duties when visiting the island.​

​

Seizure of goods only occurs when individuals fail to comply with the law.​

​

In certain cases, depending on the circumstances and level of risk, a temporary customs declaration may be required. This may apply to:​

• Individuals who live on the island,
• Property owners on the island, or
• Those who provide false statements regarding the value of the equipment.

"The temporary declaration, along with a bond, ensures that the scuba gear is re-exported upon departure from the island.​

​

To avoid delays upon arrival, individuals can complete this declaration in advance with the assistance of an authorized customs broker.​

There is no need for concern as long as one complies with the law."​

So we appear to have a one-off event caused by an over-zealous customs agent.
If someone chooses to not go to Bonaire, fine. You probably won't be missed.

Thank you Tursiops, and thank you for following up on this. I apologize if I was a jerk on my previous post. The answer you have received is the same information that I received directly from Bonaire Customs officials. I had raised concerns with Bonaire Customs regarding high value items such as CCR’s and DPV’s that have retail values greater than $5000 and used values that are subjectively lower than retail. I received the same information you posted (it is your luggage, you are not living there, owning property on Bonaire or history with false statements…) I also spoke with to Bonaire Customs Officials, and according to the Bonaire Customs official I spoke with, if you are a technical diver arriving to Bonaire with “your personally owned used scuba gear” and you are departing Bonaire with “the same personally owned used scuba gear.” Divers can travel to and from Bonaire with their “own used scuba gear” without fear of seizure or temporary confiscation.

Based on all the information I have received on this thread, it leads me to conclude that divers arriving with multiple pieces of high value new gear, borrowed gear and/or gear for other divers should definitely look into temporary customs declarations.

I and others are going to Bonaire with our own gear next month, I will post how everything goes.