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Customs makes clearing barrels a simple process as Cabinet extends deadline

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 15^th  and February 28^th 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 28^th 2009 to commemorate Saint Lucia’s 30th Independence anniversary.

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