UPDATE- The Disaster Reconstruction Authority “Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) Relief” Order, 2019, has been extended until June 2021, for select key items.
Under the SERZ Order, the Islands of Abaco, the Abaco Cays, Grand Bahama Island, Sweetings Cay, Deep Water Cay and Water Cay are considered VAT-free zones for the local purchase of goods. In these disaster recovery areas, VAT-registered businesses are expected to waive VAT for all approved goods at the point of sale. For consumers, there is no pre-approval process; everyone shopping inside the recovery area is able to benefit from the VAT waiver at the point of sale.
Tax-Free Cargo Imports Directly into the Recovery Areas
Under the SERZ Order, hurricane relief supplies can also be imported directly to the specified islands tax-free based on the conditions outlined in the Order. Unlike in previous orders, these benefits will not be available to businesses outside of the recovery areas or for cargo imported into ports of entry outside of the recovery areas. Pre-approval from the Ministry of Finance/Department of Inland Revenue is required to benefit from these tax concessions.
Present certified form to Customs at Port of Entry with the relevant Customs Declaration Forms for on-site clearance and approval inside the recovery areas
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Individuals and businesses are eligible to import tax-free goods under the SERZ Order under the following three conditions:
The applicant is a business or resident of an approved island
Cargo is imported directly to an approved island
Imported goods fall under the approved list of items
APPROVED ISLANDS
The final destination for all donated goods must be an approved island.
Abaco
The Abaco Cays
Grand Bahama Islands
Sweetings Cay
Deep Water Cay
Water Cay
APPROVED LIST OF GOODS
The following items are listed in SERZ Order and considered approved goods.
Air Conditioning Units
Medicine and Medical Supplies
Building Materials
Mosquito Netting
Cleaning Supplies
Office Supplies & Equipment
Clothes, Shoes, Hat, Belt, Socks, Stockings, Gloves, Scarves
Personal Hygiene Products
Cots
Pest Control Supplies
Beds & Bedding Materials
Plumbing fixtures and materials
Electrical fixtures and materials
Protective & Safety Gear
Electrical generators
Replacement Boats
Fishing Equipment & Supplies
Replacement Boat Engines
Farming/Fishing Equipment & Supplies
Replacement Motor Vehicles, Golf Carts and Motorcycles*
Fruit & Vegetable Juice
Solar Panels
Hardware Supplies
Tents
Household furniture, furnishings and appliances
Unprepared food items of all types (including packaged and processed)
Landscaping Supplies
Water
Manufacturing equipment
Subject to additional conditions and requirements
NEED HELP?
The Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, and Department of Inland Revenue have dedicated officers to support individuals and businesses importing tax-free goods under the SERZ Order
