Customs & Excise Saint Lucia

Concession on Barrels Imported at Christmas

The Government of Saint Lucia has once again approved concessions with regard to the importation of barrels at Christmas. Concessions are from the period November 15, 2018 to January 31, 2019.
The concessions on barrels are in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
• 100% waiver of import duty on personal items, food, clothing, toys and other household consumables, contained in barrels. Electronics are explicitly excluded.
• The number of barrels qualifying for concessions is 2 per household.
• The upper limit on the value per barrel is EC $2,500.00 per barrel on the items qualifying for concessions.
• Qualifying items must be for personal use and not commercial use.
• The usual penalties and fines apply if the goods are used for commercial purposes.
The House of Parliament on October 30th 2018 approved to allow for the exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) on all qualifying items (food, clothing, toys, household consumables, personal items) imported within barrels during this period.

Policy meeting chaired by the International Union of Conservation of Nature Project Coordinator and Legal Consultant, Mrs. Melesha Gunning- Banhan and Ms. Fernanda Jimenez was held at the Coco Palm Resorts. The aim of the meet was to review and establish an overarching policy and legislation on the Nagoya Protocol on Access Benefit Sharing (ABS), based on views and input of key stakeholders.

This meeting encompassed a full review of the Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Bill as a medium for incorporating ABS issues into the National Legislation.

Feedback was collected to inform the development of regulations for the ABS. Some of the organisations and representatives present were Departments of Sustainable Development and Environment Division, Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture- Information Unit, Energy Division Folk Research Centre, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, Department of External Affairs, Saint Lucia National Trust, Tramil Capsicum, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force-Marine Unit, Customs & Excise Department .