Saint Lucia’s annual Christmas barrel concessions will take effect on November 1, allowing households to import up to two barrels of qualifying goods duty-free, with a maximum value of EC$3 000 per barrel.
The concessions, which run until February 28, 2027, provide a 100 per cent waiver of customs duty on personal items, food, clothing, toys and other household consumables imported in barrels. Electronic items are excluded.
According to Customs Notice No. 10 of 2026, Cabinet approved the concessions under Conclusion No. 8444 of 2026, dated September 28.
The concession is limited to two barrels per household, and the goods must be for personal use and not for commercial purposes. The usual penalties and fines will apply if the items are used commercially.
Cabinet has also approved the transmission of the appropriate legal instruments to Parliament to exempt qualifying barrels imported during the concession period from the Health and Citizen Security Levy and Value Added Tax (VAT).
However, qualifying items will still attract a Customs Service Charge of six per cent.
The article Christmas barrel concessions start November 1 is from St. Lucia Times.