ACC wants stiffer regulation for Internet purchases

AMMAN — The Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has urged official authorities to suspend personal exemption given to products bought through the Internet claiming damage to trading companies.

The goods bought over the Internet are delivered to clients without taking into consideration the customs fees or the sales tax, under the pretext of personal exemption, ACC President Issa Murad said in a statement, adding that most of the goods are counterfeit, not allowed in the Kingdom, in addition to not meeting Jordanian standards.

The chamber explained the negative impact from such exemptions to official institutions  because they inflict damage on traders and sponsors of international trademarks committed to set standards.

The Customs Department, in reply to the ACC's official request, said the implementation of the exemptions is affiliated with personal needs and within the deserved value. The department added that the exemption of mail packages from customs fees, sales tax and other taxes applies only to goods of personal use whether foodstuffs, children's toys, shoes or clothes, on the condition that the customs value for the package being no more than JD100. Traders incur multitude of costs whereas many Jordanians view pages on social media websites offering many products.