Import Duty Waived on Essential Products

Cabinet has approved the waiver of import duty on essential products for children, women and adults with medical conditions, including diabetic supplies. The waiver became effective on Tuesday, 23 November 2021.

These items currently carry an import duty tariff of 22 percent, and it is intended that the duty waiver will bring a noticeable decrease in the cost of these items to importers, which will then be passed on to consumers.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Border Control Hon. Chris Saunders said, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause disruptions to transportation, labour and input costs which have been driving the prices of food and other consumables higher. In keeping with the PACT Government’s objective of reducing the cost of living, removing import duty on certain essential items will hopefully result in lower prices for the end consumer.”

Pursuant to section 52 of the Customs and Border Control Act, (2021 Revision), import duty is to be waived on the following products:

Preparations of foodstuff for infant use, put up for retail sale;

Sanitary Towels (pads) And Tampons, Diapers and Diaper Liners for Babies and Similar Articles, Of Any Material;

Baby carriages and parts thereof;

Food preparations consisting of finely homogenised mixtures of two or more basic ingredients, such as meat, fish, vegetables or fruit, put up for retail sale as infant food or for dietetic purposes.

Based on the existing import tariff duty of 22 percent on these identified items, the Government will forego earning revenue estimated at CI$96,000 for the remainder of 2021 and CI$2,000,000 for the financial years of 2022 and 2023 respectively.

The Deputy Premier said, “This reflects the PACT Government’s commitment to supporting families during these challenging times by ensuring that essential household items are accessible and affordable.”