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@geolinc

I had a huge problem with customs but a lot of that was due to Covid. I could not find a customs broker on the internet and eventually found one who left a lot to be desired.

You may have heard that you can bring household effects into the country duty free but there is, of course, a catch. The liability for duty cannot be released until you have full legal residence, so you will either have to deposit the notional duty or buy a guarantee. Furthermore, (according to my agent) the goods cannot be released until the owner is in the country. It took my agent 4 months, after my arrival,  to release my container from the bonded yard while it was accruing storage fees of over $400 per month. It took a further 3 years to release my liability for duty because the directorate responsible for national identity, made a mistake and wouldn't admit the mistake until 3 separate visits from lawyers made them see the light.

Below is a list of customs brokers advised by Uruguay Customs. My agent doesn't appear on the list, which is reassuring.

You may have to contact several before one replies to you. Government departments are wont to make mistakes so take a screenshot of any fugitive messages or receipts and check thoroughly to ensure that your details have been entered correctly.

@ColoniaMan

Thank you so  much, Colonial Man, for your fast response! What you went through sounds like the nightmare I'm hoping to avoid, and wonder if getting a lawyer to help with the residency planning may be the best way to go. Their help is going to be expensive, but it may be worth it in the long run. I have yet to plan the budget for the move, so I'm gathering data. If you think of anything else, please let me know.

Dear Jorge,

I only saw your thread now after we have been communicating for a while via private message.

The customs brokers here leave a lot to be desired, it helps if you talk to the customs officer personally,  the agents would just complicate everything.  That does not mean that you should not find a customes broker, but don´t expect him to do this for you.  Be there when your container is inspected !!!

I did not use the customs broker to apply for refund of teh deposit and I had it within a week.  You can save  a lot of money this way and it costs you half an hour at the customs office at the port.

Merry Christmas!

Armin