Im planning to fly back to south-America over new year and Im thinking about bringing some spare parts with me from Europe to south-America. As I see it there might be a couple of potential problems:

1. It might be restrictions even in checked in luggage of what kind of items thats allowed to bring on the plane? Sprocket/chain kit for example or a new cylinder and piston. Anyone with any experience with this?

2. Customs when arriving at destination - do I have to pay customs? Should I report myself in to customs at the arrival airport? Is paying customs fee for spare parts for an overseas vehicle on a TVIP mandatory or excempt the national rules?(Uruguay)

Thanks in advance for help!

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

This topic has come up a few times here ... I don't know the exact answer, just some personal experience, stories and speculation. Sorry.

Also, I'm sure every country is going to be different regards import rules, duty levied and such.

I've heard that (I think?) Argentina do not allow for the importation of "USED"
parts period. Not sure this is true or not.

In many cases parts are greased up and made to look used so as not to have to pay full duty. So, in response, some countries prohibit used parts all together.
True?

We need someone who has dealt with Uruguay and has brought stuff in on a flight. You may find answers if you dig deep enough into Uruguay Aduana rules.

Having "self made" official looking receipts would be good to have on hand in case you need them. Some countries charge OUTrageous import duty fees ...
So make up your own prices as you see fit.

A friend brought in some used BMW parts to La Paz, Baja, Mexico for his BMW
GS. He declared them and ended up having pay import duty based on his own
created receipts, which Aduana accepted. Still cost him about $100 USD for about $400 usd worth of final drive parts .... so very high price, IMO.

You may do well to show Aduana your TVIP and explain that you cannot comply with the law and remove the motorcycle from Uruguay unless you can get it running .. so you NEED these parts to comply and get the bike back on the road.

Aduana will probably say: "OK, muy bien! ... and you owe 100% tax on each item!" Or not ... Who knows? I sure don't. You can also plead innocence or state that the parts you are bringing in are NOT for sale in Uruguay. (probably true!)

If pressed, offer your own receipts as proof of purchase. But many times it's a 100% duty fee based on value of parts.

You could also say the parts were donated FREE to you. This won't work, IMO.
The other thing I know travelers have done is to use the "Samples" story. You claim you are looking into starting a business in Uruguay and are bringing "Samples" to potential "dealers". This usually works with clothing or fashion, maybe not for hard MC parts?? Works a treat in some counties I've visited.

The key thing is to find out if "Used" parts are OK for importation. If declared as USED then the declared value could be stated VERY LOW. But as I said, some countries outlaw used parts all together. Dunno in case of Uruguay.

Keep hunting ... someone here on HUBB may have CURRENT info on this. I say current, because like everything ... the rules are constantly changing up in many countries. So good to know BEFORE your flight lands in Montevideo.

Of course most times your checked bag is not even looked at. ...

Good luck, hope you can manage this without paying too much.

The air line will consider 'dangerous goods'.

Pressurised shock absorbers, for instance, will be classified dangerous as the pressurised gas could be released.
Anything that could contain fuel would also be considered dangerous.

That's true, even an EMPTY fuel tank can be restricted. I've mailed Shocks within USA and Canada several times, no issues, never mentioned contents to Post Office or UPS.

The OP only mentioned hard parts. But must say, a whole cylinder would be hard to pack safely, needs it's own box to protect it. A Piston? Just slip it in your pocket! Put the new rings on before!

Amazing what you used to be able to bring in through customs. Years ago I brought a 30/30 rifle and ammo ...hand carried on the airplane! But had certain "advantages" back then ... and things were much looser.

No longer the case due to manufactured "fear" factor.

This is my take on it and it may not be 100% correct. You just paid $1-3k for commercial air travel which includes you and your suitcase. I would mix those parts in with your personal possessions and not say/claim anything unless it is hazmat. As someone mentioned a shock, anything that contains fluid, or could emit fumes needs to be specially labeled and shipped in its own box.

How is the customs person supposed to know whether or not you live in that country? For all he knows, these are spare parts that you did not end up using on your latest trip.

Usually in situations where you are personally escorting your own luggage to the destination they give you some leniency and do not make you pay outrageous customs fees. I'm not so sure about Sudan or Liberia.

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http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)

In our case my partner, Jean, flew into Liberia, Costa Rica with a new oil pan and side stand for her bike in her carry-on bag. She said nothing and had no issues. We were on our way after the installation of said parts. Oh, she flew in from Seattle where she had picked up the new parts. Simple enough.


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