Dear Sir,

Are books duty-free in Bermuda?

A dear friend of mine, Major Effiom B. Whyte, retired airline pilot of Air Jamaica Limited and Caribbean Airlines Limited, and former National Co-ordinator of the Governor-General of Jamaica’s Programme of Excellence — “I Believe Initiative” — decided to send me a copy of his latest book, Eyes on the Prize.

This was intended to be a surprise New Year’s Day 2022 gift.

Major Whyte went through all the trouble, in Kingston, Jamaica, of dispatching this book to me via DHL.

It seems the book arrived in Bermuda on about January 5, 2022. I finally received it in hand at 2.20pm on Friday, January 28, 2022.

Once the book arrived in Bermuda, I was contacted by DHL and informed that I had to obtain a Customs Automated Processing System identification number in order to get my gift book. This is I duly did and eventually got it on the January 12.

After submitting my Caps ID to DHL, sometime later it requested from me $19.42.

Needless to say, Major Whyte was baffled at this delay in my receiving his book; equally baffled at the cost. On reflection, the major mused that he should have sent it via post.

Now, this is a 126-page book. Are books duty-free?

I am not and was not the importer of the book, why should I have to pay $19.42 to get possession of the book if books are duty-free.

DHL’s customs duty invoice reads: “Wharf 0.6; BDA Gov Package TX 2.36 and BCD Preparation Fee 17.00.”

Had this book been sent via the Post Office, would these taxes apply?

Just before the 2021 Christmas holidays, one of our grandsons in Britain sent us two books via the post and there was no such fee!

Why is it that the major in Jamaica who paid all the relevant fees up front to DHL in Kingston, but on arrival here in Bermuda I had to pay the above-mentioned to receive my gift.

Imagine a friend sending you flowers and in order to receive them one has to fork out a fee to get them.

Are books duty-free or not, Mr. Editor?

Thank you!

LEIGHTON ROCHESTER

Hamilton Parish