Dominica approves concessions on Christmas barrels

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#Dominica, November 25, 2022 – Holiday goodies imported to the Caribbean island of Dominica will now, for most families be tax free.   It follows the decision for Christmas barrels to be exempt from paying Duty and Customs Service Charges.

It is yet another mitigation measure introduced by a regional government as inflationary prices and lingering fall-out from the Coronavirus pandemic continues to burden citizens.

“The terms and conditions she stated are:  A barrel shall mean non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages, and drums. The contents of the barrel and other packages allowed shall be personal effects, consisting mainly of foodstuff with limited items of clothing, toiletry, and toys.”

Recipients will be asked to pay the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority a flat charge of ten dollars for handling and storage.

A maximum of two barrels or parcels of a similar size is allowed per household. The barrels must also be for personal use only.

It was announced by Gretta Roberts Minister of Governance, Public Service Reform, Citizen Empowerment, Social Justice, and Ecclesiastical Affairs.