Dollar Barrel Is Back

Details

Economy

Friday, 30 November 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John's - The Customs and Excise Division has finally announced that the Christmas barrel initiative will once again be implemented, beginning from December 1 to January 7.

Senior Customs personnel told the media on Thursday that the initiative takes the same form as 2011, with a $10 facilitation charge along with an additional 10 percent Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) on barrels imported with food items, articles of clothing and commodities in non-commercial quantities.

“There is no duty or ABST ... just the $10 for documentation and handling,” said customs PRO Milton Aska.

Officer Stennette Knowles reemphasized that the consumer barrels could be filled to capacity with foodstuffs; but there are limitations on clothing, where only 7 of one particular item are allowed.

“That’s our way of trying to ensure that the barrel is being used for householders and not for persons trying to make a profit from it,” Knowles said.

Furthermore, it was reported that no Customs Broker is necessary for this initiative, as it is designed to be easier for consumers and to facilitate trade in a timely manner by eliminating the middleman.

The Customs Authority has designed a simplified form for consumers that further removes the need for assistance.

In order for consumers to qualify under the initiative, imported barrels must reach the island within the time period outlined.

“We are going to have designated officers just to facilitate the movement of the barrels while the other officers will be deployed to deal with the commercial activities,” the officers said.

A maximum of two individuals will be allowed to examine any barrel, and at no time would more than 100 people be allowed at the port in general, as part of new Port Authority security measures.

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