Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
A bigger welcome could be in store for Jamaicans coming back to the island from next year if the In bond Laws are changed. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson says Jamaicans arriving in the island may soon be able to purchase duty-free items in the nation's airports before passing though customs.
As originally drafted, the In bond Laws state that in bond shopping is to be accessed by non-residents and that the goods cannot be used in the Jamaica. However, if this amendment is made it would entitle anyone (tourist or returning resident) to buy merchandise upon landing at the airport, prior to clearing customs.
"For the past 14 years, I have been fighting an unsuccessful battle to get the law amended so that we can have in bond shopping facilities when we arrive at the airport," he said. "I am pleased to tell you that Cabinet has approved the draft legislation. It will be discussed in Parliament and I hope it goes through before I leave."
Mr. Patterson said the change may become a reality before his demits office next year. Prime Minister Patterson revealed the move to guests at the official opening of Sangster International Airport's new concourse last week.
One source told the Wednesday Business that the amendments are expected to be in place by March next year.
The Jamaican In bond Merchants Association welcomed the move and said it had lobbied for the legislation for several years.
INBOND SHOPPING FACILITY
"It is being anticipated that you will buy items in an in bond facility at the airport at tax-free prices prior to clearing customs," director for the In bond Merchants Association, Denny Chandiram, said. "This will be a great boon for the country as it will keep the money on luxury goods such as liquor and tobacco in Jamaica."
The retail environment at Jamaica's airports will improve as a result of this, president of the In bond Merchants Association, Kumar Samtani, said. "In bond duty free shopping is becoming more popular in the Caribbean and the rest of the world and, as such, several countries are going towards that business model, especially in their airports."
