On the recommendation of the Comptroller of Customs, the Dollar Barrel initiative will run from December 1st to January 15th.

Like other years the barrel or container should only contain items deemed to be personal effects like food, toiletries and clothing.

Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu explains what will happen if the shipment is found to contain other items.

“There is a condition that if the container or the barrel contains any item other than the prescribed items, that will be treated as a regular barrel and full duty and taxes will be charged,” he states.

Boddu says customers are only required to pay 10% revenue recovery charge of the value of the barrel, and a $10 processing fee.

Over the years the programme has gained momentum with scores of residents taking advantage of the yuletide gesture.