Container-Import: Caucedo, because lack of options
Had bad experience to bring in a container in Caucedo in June 2007.
Just send my second commercial container from Europe.
Tried to go to another Port (Rio Haina or Puerto Plata).
After searching a lot in the web and interviewing people I found out:
- From Europe all major container lines go to Caucedo only.
Since June 2, 2007, Maersk Sealand switched to Caucedo.
Tropical, Hapag LLoyd, Hamburg Sued, CMA-CGM, Maersk and other container lines only go to Caucedo.
Some small feeders go to Puerto Plata from North America.
Rio Haina is still serviced from Latin America. The only way I found was a route via Columbia that would take 1 month (compare to 13 days Rotterdam-Caucedo), and I really did not like the idea to take that route, so I have no choice.
Customs in Caucedo:
It it is commercial, you need to have a company (as far as I know).
The company must be registered and all taxes must have beed paid (verify this).
Then you need an import licence (probably not much money, but the guy doing the work for me ripped me off on this one).
To enter the port and offices, you need a batch with a photo and you have to give a copy of your ID to make it.
It is best to do everything yourself, especially buying the cheques to pay the taxes.
There are a bunch of guys hanging around in the waiting area looking for people to help them to go thru customs. Most of them probably are plain criminals.
Beware: people there are organized criminals and have a lot of fantasies to steal your money.
Ideas:
- Like telling you to pay watching men to watch the container.
Caucedo is managed by Dubai Ports and the container area is safe and there are no watchingmen inside.
- Theft: You should be there when container is opened. Someone told me that inspector told them to be there next day at 1 p.m. When they arrived custom inspections was already done at 8 a.m. for some reason.
I lost about 2% of goods due to theft during inspection. The guy who handled customs for me turned out to be a pure gangster and participated in the theft. Telling me things like customs does not like to see foreigners etc. - All BS.
I think customs is a lot easier when you deal with them yourself and do not use an "agent".
An "agent" has the risk that he will team up with a criminal custom guy to play games on you. They will work together and make a good show.
Also take car with whom you organize further trucking.
Only pay in the companie office and only pay proper bills.
Put good locks on the container and bring one to put after custom inspection.
Do not trust the truck drivers. Best follow your container truck. Make sure transport is at daytime. Avoid night drives.
I consider Andres/Boca Chica a dangerous place with bad people only waiting for foreigners going around with money.
Do not trust anyone there.
Hope that helps
Importer
