The Dollar Barrel initiative, which has been an important part of the Christmas season for over a decade, is set to return from December 1st to December 31st, 2023.
This initiative provides relief for Antigua and Barbuda residents by exempting them from import taxes on various items, including food, toiletries, and personal clothing.
Residents can import these items for personal use in either a standard-sized shipping barrel or a 17.9 cubic foot e-container, which is equivalent to a standard barrel.
During this period, the import duty and Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on these barrels or e-containers will be waived.
While a nominal EC $10 handling fee will apply, there will be a 10 percent Revenue Recovery Charge on the value of the contents.
Overall, the initiative is expected to provide significant benefits to the residents by reducing their financial burden during the festive season.
I fail to see any generosity of the government.
At first it was a dollar per barrel. Now it is $10 per barrel.
In addition to this, there is a 10% tax on the contents.
Bear in mind that ALL IMPORT TAXES ARE UNFAIR.
MANY people will not be able to pay the tax. Then they’ll probably want $10 US
Instead of $10 EC.
Also, what criteria will be used to determine 10% value, and what controls will be in place to prevent the ripping off of the already poor people.