Hey there gang, just wondering if anybody has had experience with importing a new portable propane BBQ into Cuba, and what the duty charge might be for me when I do the same end of June. I'll buy the 20 lb. tank there. All feedback welcome. Gracias.
Terry
What country is coming from, and what country was it made in? Duties and Tariffs are based on country of Origin for make, and country of Export.
mrmoto, thanks for your feedback, however I don't believe it matters at all what country of origin the item was manufactured, or what country I'm from (Canada) when importing items into Cuba. Cuban customs have set prices for duty payment when importing a plethora of various items... their lists don't discriminate between other details beyond the specific item in question, regardless of where it has come from or where it was made.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong... it's a rare thing, but it does happen from time to time. ;-)
Terry
Well if there is a duty/tariff on something made in China, to export to the USA, you can't ship it to Canada to get around the tariff/duty...thats why I say country of origin.
In Costa Rica for example, the differences in taxes/duties on a new item made in Korea, Japan, China, all vary greatly, with China getting favored trade status. Same with EU items, vs USA/Canada.
In CR, if you order a motorcycle part for a BMW and it comes from Atlanta, they still tax the based on country of origin it made it, Germany, because if it if resale, the BMW dealer in CR would import from Germany. Tax can be as as 100% of value...just saying.
Depending how they classify it, it will be either 50 or 80cuc. More likely the former. The latter is for a gas range.
Keep in mind you are allowed 50cuc duty free.
And what size would this BBQ be? Mammoth? And who amongst us might you be inviting over for some grilled delights? Do you make your own BBQ sauce? Doubtful it could be snuck in dismantled and unnoticed.
These questions and more!
Thanks for the heads-up, gres. And yes, I'll keep in mind that I'm allowed 50cuc duty free too. Hopefully I'll get out of the airport without having to pay anything... but I'm bringing a few other things too, so who knows.
Interestingly, someone else over on the TA Cuba forum pointed out to me that I might have a problem with connecting the new BBQ to the old style 20 lb. propane tanks there in Cuba. I'm going to take down a few tools with me to swap out the connector on the new hose if necessary. That's a good tip as well... I never thought of that.
Terry
Hey there CW, it's a Napoleon PRO285 TravelQ... a portable table-top BBQ that's still big enough to roast an entire turkey. It comes fully assembled in the box. You're invited for Christmas turkey dinner anytime, my friend. But bring your homemade BBQ sauce... and I'll supply the rum. ;0)
Terry
I did a quick search and, maybe the review i saw was wrong but it runs on natural gas and not propane.
If that is the case, you'll need to change the jets if you plan on using a propane tank.
I did something similar in Havana around 2001. Had to change the jets on a gas counter top from propane to natural gas. My wife's house has street gas. Cost me $5usd plus exchange of the jets. Could have been $2usd.... Don't remember.
gres, no this new BBQ that I've purchased definitely runs on a 20lb. propane tank. Yesterday I purchased a POL to QCC1/Type 1 old to new style propane tank refill adapter from Amazon... $9.99 CDN. The old style tanks connect with threads on the inside, while the new tanks connect with threads on the outside.
It'll be delivered in week so all good now when dealing with those old-school 20lb. tanks in Cuba. I would have absolutely freaked out once there without the benefit of that adapter to properly connect and fire that puppy up. My Cuban wife, Judith, has also told me that she can get the 20lb. tank for us from the bodega as they're government supplied and filled with propane for peanuts. Membership has its privileges. ;)
Terry