TCI: Premier Robinson Announces Final Extension For Import Duty Exemption

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2018 – Providenciales – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is pleased to announce the extension of the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2018. The Order may be cited as the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2018 and will now expire on 31st March 2018.

The import duty exemption shall apply to individuals seeking to import goods of a description specifically furniture, appliances and general construction/building materials for personal use and not for resale. Merchants are excluded from this final extension and residents are reminded that no letter need to be written to the Minister of Finance.  Persons are encouraged to consult with the Customs Department to ensure compliance and to avoid unnecessary challenges ahead of imports.  Be sure that your items are included within the Order and all documentation is provided even ahead of of shipment.

An individual seeking to import goods of the description specified and; to be granted the import duty exemption shall on importation of any such goods produce to the Collector of Customs –

(a) Evidence of ownership of the damaged property or long-term residence at the property.

(b) Evidence of damage to property, furniture or appliances, either through photographs or insurance assessments and;

(c) Proof of the value of the replacement furniture or appliance either by invoice or quotation. This Government is seeking to channel resources quickly, flexibly and efficiently to ensure that they reach those most adversely affected. My Government will ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are in a position to rebuild bigger and better.

Premier Robinson in announcing this final extension said, “These remain challenging times in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  In the face of fallen revenue and early in our continuing early recovery efforts, it is important to support our residents where we can.  I am pleased to announce the final extension.  We recognize the challenge with insurers, shipping delays and orders being filled and believe that many will be grateful for this final extension.  This has been a wait and see period as we watch our revenue performances and are happy to offer this final extension.  I wish to remind us all that this is a great sacrifice  at this time and I must encourage persons to cease the attempts to abuse this opportunity being presented.  We are not at the revenue levels that we wish to record nor have we recovered what was loss but we are committed to helping those who are able to help themselves in their repairs.

As we seek to finalize our firm recovery plans, I wish to encourage our residents by our present state.  No Irma, No Maria, no super-storm is superior to our indomitable spirit.  We are Turks and Caicos Strong and we will emerge from these natural phenomena better, smarter, stronger and more united as we seek to rebuild.

Rest assured that my Government will explore strategies, implement policies and legislation to ensure that we remain a resilient people”.