Larnaca. Three luxury watches with a total value of around 57,000 euros were seized by Cypriot customs at Larnaca Airport. The owner – a Cypriot citizen – had entered the country on a flight from Switzerland and had not declared the watches to customs. The result: a fine of 4,584 euros

and 10,843 euros in import taxes before he got his watches back. The case shows that many travellers underestimate customs regulations when entering the country from non-EU countries. (mof.gov.cy)

Does this also apply to tourists or emigrants?

Yes. In principle, the regulations apply to all persons entering Cyprus from a non-EU country – regardless of whether they are tourists, EU citizens permanently residing in Cyprus or Cypriot citizens. It is not nationality that is decisive, but where the goods are imported from.

Many believe that Switzerland is also part of customs law because of its proximity to the EU. However, this is wrong.

Non-EU territories include, for example:

Anyone who shops there and then enters Cyprus must comply with EU customs regulations.

For air and sea travellers, the following currently applies:

For example,

you fly to Dubai or Switzerland and buy a

8,000When you return to Cyprus, you can't just go through the green exit ("Nothing to declare").

The watch or jewellery must be declared to customs. The import duties due are then calculated. If the items are not declared and discovered during an inspection, there is a risk

Something is often confused here.

If you travel with your previously purchased Rolex, which you have owned for years and only wear on vacation, it is basically a personal commodity. Normally, there is no new import tax for this.

The situation is different if:

Then customs can demand proof that the watch was not acquired outside the EU.

Yes, this is often possible.

For example, if you shop in Switzerland or Dubai, you can – depending on the regulations applicable there – reclaim the local VAT (Tax Refund). For this purpose, the goods must be properly exported when leaving the country.

Important: The refund of foreign VAT does not replace the obligation to declare the goods when entering the EU or Cyprus. Import duties in Cyprus remain unaffected. (Customs and Border Security)

The current case at Larnaca Airport shows that customs also specifically controls high-end luxury goods. If you are returning to Cyprus from a non-EU country and have expensive jewellery, luxury watches or other high-priced goods in your luggage, you should inform yourself beforehand about the applicable import regulations.

An unregistered Rolex or a valuable jewellery purchase can quickly become much more expensive than expected. In addition to the actual import VAT, additional fines and other costs may be incurred – as the current case impressively shows with a total of over 15,000 euros in taxes and penalties. (mof.gov.cy)




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Author: Tom Weyermann
Source: mof.gov.cy
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