IMPORTERS OF foodstuff who hope to benefit from the reduction in import duties will still have to procure the necessary permits for these items, says the Ministry of Finance.
Last Tuesday Phillip Paulwell, the Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, announced in Parliament that the Government would slash duties on several imported food items such as chicken meat and some vegetables. Stamp duties were suspended and custom duties reduced to 40 per cent to "assist the population to return to normalcy as quickly as possible (after Hurricane Ivan) and to ensure that there is no additional burden on consumers," the Minister said. This would hold until November 30.
Meat, ground provisions and fruits and vegetables are classified as restricted imports which require specific permits. Yesterday the Ministry of Finance reiterated that the usual regulatory requirements have not been waived notwithstanding the interim duty regime for the imported food items.
Importers who require a waiver of duties in excess of 40 per cent on the approved list of items must make the application to the Tax Policy Division at the Ministry of Finance and Planning at the National Heroes Circle. The importer is also expected to submit an invoice along with the application.
The Ministry also emphasised that, "importers are reminded that all agricultural items require a phyto sanitary permit which must be obtained before the goods arrive in the island." Imported meat also requires a certificate; the Ministry of Agriculture issues both regulatory requirements.
According to the Finance Ministry, once the application form is submitted, approvals will be processed over a two-day maximum period.
PAULWELL
