First mistake: starting the permit application after the goods have shipped. For used goods, the ministry permit process is separate from — and far longer than — the TAREKS inspection. If the application is still pending when the goods reach the port, storage and demurrage costs accumulate quickly.
Second mistake: being unable to evidence the year of manufacture. If the plate on the machine is illegible or the manufacturer is no longer trading, proving the year of manufacture can be far harder than expected. Requesting a written statement from the manufacturer before the purchase decision removes most of this risk.
Third mistake: declaring refurbished goods as new. A machine that has been overhauled may still count as used goods under the legislation. Declaring a product described as 'refurbished' on the invoice as new creates serious problems both at inspection and in any subsequent audit.
Fourth mistake: overlooking an exemption under an investment incentive certificate. Companies holding such a certificate may benefit from a different regime for items on the annexed machinery list. Filing without assessing this possibility means unnecessary time and cost.
