Government of Saint Lucia

Go to Homepage

[Feedback]

[Site Map]

[Contact Us]

Search this Site


Customs makes clearing barrels a simple process as Cabinet extends deadline


Governor General
Prime Minister
The Cabinet
The Senate
House of Assembly
Overseas Missions
The Constitution
The Staff Orders

National Television Network
Watch NTN Live

CARICOM 26
Saint Lucia Gazette
Press Releases
Speeches
Features
Notices
Tenders/Consultancies
Vacancies
Bursaries/Scholarships
About Saint Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
Web Links
Government Directory
Browse by Agency
Site Help

Contact: Julita Peter

 

Tuesday November 11, 2008 –    Members of the public who are expecting Christmas barrels, have the option of  minimizing clearance time,  by  declaring their barrels  upfront.  The  Customs and Excise Department,  will be implementing  optional procedures, as part of efforts  to further simplify the process,  associated with the clearance of barrels and non-commercial packages. The new procedures come into effect on November 18th.

 

Speaking on the matter,  Inspector responsible for Trade Nigel Edwin, said:

 

“If you make a declaration up front, pertaining to the contents of your barrel, the values and so on, the system will  make a judgement call on the officer,   who will determine—based on further interviews—whether your barrel will  be further examined.

 

Mr. Edwin says when making a  declaration,  barrel owners could make payments via a shipping agent who has a pre- payment facility,  or any Customs and Excise  cashier around the island. This will assist in decentralizing the clearing process,  rather than  mandating that persons visit the shed, which is normally congested about this time of year.

 

“First of all.” he said, “try to obtain an  importer number, which is going to be a lot easier for them as of now,  they could contact either the Vieux-Fort or Castries offices to secure your importer number it is a simple process it takes seconds to do. All you require is your NIS number your ID card which of course has your NIS number and then you will be issued an importer number.”    

 

Persons caught making false declaration will be penalized under the Customs law.

 

Meantime the existing  one stop service at the Customs shed is still available to members of the public not wishing to opt for the new procedure.

 

Meantime, Cabinet has approved duty free concessions on Christmas barrels imported between November 15th  and February 28th 2009.  The number of barrels that would qualify for the concessions is limited to two per household and  must contain items for personal use only, that is food, clothing and toys. The value of items in the barrel should not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars.

 

Cabinet has agreed to extend the concessionary period to February 28th 2009 to commemorate Saint Lucia’s 30th Independence anniversary.


Home ] Up ] [Site Help]

© 2008 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.