For a pdf copy of this Declaration of Exigency click here.
 

     WEREAS the Minister of Finance on the 11 day of September, 2017, pursuant to the provisions of Tariff Code 9817.0000 of Chapter 98 of the First Schedule to the Tariff Act, hereby declares the following Exigency to be an Exigency which qualifies for the purposes of the exemption permitted under the said Item 9, namely--

the urgent need for goods specified in Schedule A hereof which the Minister is satisfied are intended for the relief of persons in the Islands listed in Schedule B hereof who have suffered hardship or loss as a result of Hurricane Irma, and whose claims/application in respect of such goods are certified by the Director of The National Emergency Management Agency (“NEMA”).

AND WHEREAS the Minister of Finance further declares that —

1. the importation of the goods under the provision of the said Item 9 are only permitted for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days (save for bottled water) commencing on the IILI1 day of September, 2017 and ending on the 10th day of March, 2018 or for such further period as the Minister of Finance may specify by Notice; and
2. The waiver of Departure Tax for non-commercial flights bringing in relief goods and Customs Processing Fees on imports to the islands mentioned in Schedule C is permitted for a period of three (3) months commencing on the 11th day of September, 2017.

SCHEDULE A

GOODS

Building materials
Electrical fixtures and materials
Plumbing fixtures and materials
Household furniture, furnishing and appliances
*Bottled Water
Generators

*Permitted for a period of 60 days commencing the 11” day of September, 2017.

SCHEDULE B

ISLANDS

Acklins
Bimini
Crooked Island
Grand Bahama
lnagua
Long Cay
Mayaguana
Ragged Island
South Andros

SCHEDULE C

ISLANDS WAVING DEPARTURE TAX AND CUSTOMS PROCESSING FEES FOR NON COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS

Acklins
Bimini
Crooked Island
Grand Bahama
Inagua
Long Cay
Mayaguana
Ragged Island
South Andros

Customs Duty and VAT exemption will be granted on donations to registered charitable organizations, and on acquisitions by individuals whose loss by Hurricane Irma has been verified by NEMA. All other authorized donations will be deemed a Gift to the Government and will be received and distributed by NEMA.

Any person who knowingly imports any goods, pursuant to this Declaration, but for a purpose other than as specifically provided for under this Declaration, commits an offence and is liable to penalty and forfeiture of goods in accordance with sections 268 and 292, respectively, of the Customs Management Act (No.32 of 2011).

Dated this 11th September, 2017

MINISTER OF FINANCE