St Lucia approves Christmas barrel concessions from November
Key Points(5)
- The St Lucia government has approved Christmas barrel concessions that will allow residents to import qualifying goods without paying value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties from November 1 through February 2027.
- The government said Wednesday that an order amending Schedule 3 of the Value Added Tax Act provides a VAT exemption for qualifying items packed in barrels during the concession period.
- The measures also provide a 100 per cent waiver of customs duties on eligible personal items, food, clothing, toys and other household consumables.
- Electronic items are excluded from the concessions.
- The concessions are limited to two barrels per household, with qualifying goods capped at an assessed value of EC$3,000 per barrel.
The St Lucia government has approved Christmas barrel concessions that will allow residents to import qualifying goods without paying value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties from November 1 through February 2027.
The government said Wednesday that an order amending Schedule 3 of the Value Added Tax Act provides a VAT exemption for qualifying items packed in barrels during the concession period.
The measures also provide a 100 per cent waiver of customs duties on eligible personal items, food, clothing, toys and other household consumables. Electronic items are excluded from the concessions.
The concessions are limited to two barrels per household, with qualifying goods capped at an assessed value of EC$3,000 per barrel.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, items imported under the programme must be intended for personal use and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
“The usual penalties and fines will apply if the goods are used for commercial purposes,” the statement said.
The government encouraged residents and their relatives overseas to familiarise themselves with the eligibility requirements before arranging shipments to St Lucia.
