Public Notices


COVID-19 Home Antigen tests Duty Free Concessions
Cabinet has granted 100% waiver of VAT, Import and other related duties on the importation of COVID-19 Home Antigen test kits.
The approved list of Antigen test kits brands submitted by the Ministry of Health are BinaxNow, Panbio, CareStart, BD Veritor At-Home, Rapid Response, ElluMe, 2019-nCoV, iHealth, Maxim Biomedial Inc, SXoV-2 Detect, PCL COVID-19, Sure status, QuickVue At-Home, Standard Q COVID-19, CLINITEST Rapid COVID-19, Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen, InteliSwab and sSARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal.
NAME OF TEST |
MANUFACTURER COUNTRY OF ORIGIN |
INTENDED USE ENVIRONMENT |
BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag 2 Card Home Test |
Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough USA |
Self-test |
BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test |
Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough USA |
Self-test |
BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card |
Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough USA |
Self-test |
Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test |
Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena Gmbh GERMANY |
Self-test |
Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasopharyngeal) |
Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena Gmbh GERMANY |
Point-of-Care |
Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasal) |
Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena Gmbh GERMANY |
Point-of-Care |
CareStart COVID-19 Antigen HomeTest |
Access Bio Inc. USA |
Self-test |
BD Veritor At-Home COVID-19 Test |
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) USA |
Self-test |
Rapid Response COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test |
Btnx Inc. CANADA |
Point-of-Care |
ElluME COVID-19 Home Test |
Ellume Limited AUSTRALIA |
Self-test |
2019-nCoV Antigen Test |
Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co. Ltd CHINA |
Point-of-Care |
iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Pro |
iHealth Labs Inc. USA |
Point-of-Care |
iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test |
iHealth Labs Inc. USA |
Self-test |
Maxim Biomedical, Inc. |
MaximBio Clear Detect COVID-19 Antigen Home Test USA |
Self-test |
SCoV-2 Detect Rapid Self-Test |
InBios International Inc USA |
Self-test |
PCL COVID19 Ag Rapid FIA |
PCL Inc. SOUTH KOREA |
Point-of-Care |
Sure status COVID-19 Antigen Card Test |
Premier Medical Corporation Private Ltd INDIA |
Point-of-Care |
QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test |
Quidel Corporation USA |
Self-test |
Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test |
SD Biosensor, Inc. REPUBLIC OF KOREA |
Point-of-Care |
CLINITEST Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test |
Siemens Healthineers GERMANY |
Self-test |
Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Home test |
Acon Laboratories Inc. USA |
Self-test |
Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid |
Acon Laboratories (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd. |
Self-test |
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit |
SD Biosensor Inc. REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA |
Self-test |
InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit |
OraSure Technologies, Inc. USA |
Self-test |
SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal |
SD Biosensor Inc REPUBLIC OF KOREA |
Self-test |
Please be guided accordingly.

SCALING UP CUSTOMS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION BY EMBRACING A DATA CULTURE AND BUILDING A DATA ECOSYSTEM: INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY 2022
International Customs Day is globally recognized where Customs Administrations come together to remember and celebrate the contributions made by Customs in protecting the economy, health, and security of the nations, and to commemorate the first session of the Customs Co-operation Council held in 1953. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department (CED) will once again join the World Customs Organization (WCO) in celebrating International Customs Day on January 26th, 2022.
The WCO will devote the year 2022 to contributing to the establishment of a more global digitalized customs environment that is more data-driven. As such the slogan for this year’s celebration is “scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem”.
The uncertainties of the global economy because of climate change, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, volatility of oil prices and the rise in freight charges have impacted the global supply chain and caused tremendous shock on our local economy. Moreover, the ongoing pandemic and recent volcanic eruption have further exacerbated economic challenges, forcing the Customs Administration to become more creative in collecting tax revenues. Nonetheless, revenue continues to be consistent from year to year and with foresight, good strategy and the dedication of staff the Customs and Excise Department can look forward to even greater successes in the future.
The volcanic eruption of April 9th, 2021, brought to the fore sheer dedication, commitment and true Vincentian spirit of the entire staff which saw us working from Sunday to Sunday to ensure that the much needed relief goods transited the port to all importing parties smoothly. Officers recognized the need to take care of each other and stepped up to serve their country in a time of need.
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The dedication shown by staff during these times of uncertainty and disaster is indeed commendable and deserves recognition. While the covid 19 pandemic has greatly impacted the work force as well as the international supply chain, the customs staff has demonstrated tenacity as we put country before self in facilitating and sustaining international trade and travel.
Moreover, in mitigating these challenges, the Department employed a number of risk management strategies and was able to collect approximately thirty-three million dollars ($33,000,000.00) a record collection for any December month. As a result of this success, the department has now recorded the highest revenue collection for any fiscal year in the history of the Customs and Excise Department. This achievement was accomplished on the backdrop of a fiscal year that was punctuated with massive concessions in the form of relief goods stemming from the volcanic eruption, spanning three quarters of the financial year of 2021.
Despite the internal and external challenges, the Customs and Excise Department remains committed in carrying out its mandate with pride, dedication, and commitment. The Government of SVG, through the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), intends to implement an Electronic Single Window for Trade (ESWFT) to manage the regulatory processes impacting the importation and exportation of goods.
The main value proposition for having a single window for St. Vincent and the Grenadines is to increase the efficiency in trade and investment through time and cost savings for traders in their dealings with government authorities for obtaining the relevant clearance and permit(s) for moving cargo across St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ national or economic borders. In the current pre-single-window environment, traders have had to contend with visits and dealings with multiple government agencies in multiple locations to obtain the necessary papers, permits, and clearances to complete their import or export processes. This digital infrastructure would ease doing business with the Customs by providing a one stop shop for importers and customers to process all import and export documents.
The CED hoped to celebrate throughout the week of January 26th with several activities. However, due to the current COVID-19 spike, this year’s celebrations would be scaled back in an effort to maintain the health and safety of the staff and the public. The Management of Customs would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff and thank them for a job well done in a very challenging time. We ask for your understanding and support as we move into 2022. We would also like to thank our customers and stakeholders for your cooperation and understanding as we look forward to working together in the future.

Importation of New Super Dishwashing Liquid and Axion
According to SVG Bureau of Standards, the "New Ernet Super Dishwashing Liquid" and "Axion" products are not in compliance with the National Standards for labelling of prepackaged goods (SVGNs:Part:2000).
The labels are not legible and verification of the list of ingredients such as Phosphates or Phosphate related compounds cannot be determined. Therefore, with immediate effect these products are prohibited into the state for retailed trade.
Please be guided accordingly.

Payment Authorization Form
The Public is hereby informed that effective immediately the Payment Authorization form will replace letters of Authorization of payment for third party cheques.

New Customs Email Address
The Public is hereby informed that the email address for the Customs and Excise Department has changed. As of October 31st, 2021 the Department will no longer be using customs@vincysurf.com. Please send emails for our attention to: ced@customs.gov.vc . We can also be reached via telephone at 784 457-2421 or 784 457-2711.

Extension of Concession on Barrels and Relief Items
Please be advised that the concession on barrels for relief items ends September 30th, 2021. A grace period from the 1st - 9th October, 2021 will be granted for the clearance of barrels landed on or before September 30th, 2021.

Extension of Concession on Barrels and Relief Items
Please be advised that Cabinet has granted approval for extension on the concessions on barrels for a further period of three (3) months ending September 30th, 2021.
Cabinet approval has also been granted for the extension on the concessions on relief items until further notice.
Cabinet has further decided that the concession on water should be terminated, with effect from June 30th, 2021.

Increase in Customs Service Charge
Please note that Section 3A of the Customs Duties Act has been amended to increase the Customs Servcie Charge from 5% to 6%. This increase becomes effective from JUNE 1st, 2021.
All are asked to take note and be guided accourdingly.

DUTY FREE CONCESSION - WATER PUMPS, PRESSURE WASHERS & PRESSURE HOSES
Please be advised that Cabinet has granted approval for 100% waiver of Import Duty and VAT on water pumps, pressure washers and presure hoses with immediate effect . This concession ends on 31st JULY, 2021.
Importers must submit a perfect entry to benefit from this concession. The Customs Procedure Code (CPC) to be used is 4700 W74.
The specific tariff classification effected are as follows:
Product | Tariff Classification |
Water Pump | 8413.81.00 |
Pressure Washer | 8424.89.00 |
Pressure Hose | 4009.12.00 |
Please be guided accordingly.

IMPORTATION OF RELIEF SUPPLIES (UPDATED)
The public is hereby reminded that Cabinet has granted approval for a 100% waiver of Import duty, VAT, Excise Duties, Customs Service Charge and Bottle Levy on ALL relief supplies imported into the state, consigned to the following:
- The National Energency Management Organization (NEMO)
- The SVG Red Cross
- Rotary Clubs
- Lions Clubs
- Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Any other established religious, charitable and civic organizations
Additionally 100% waiver of VAT, import Duty and other related duties on all barrels containing food stuff, clothing and relief items. This concession ends JUNE 30th 2012. There is also a 100% waiver on all import taxes applicable on water imported into the state.
Cabinet has also granted 100% duty free concession (Import Duty and VAT) on pressure washers, water pumps and pressure hoses, pipes or tubes with or without fittings. This concession ends on JULY 31, 2021.
A simplified entry will be done for non-commmercial shipments of relief supplies imported under a contract of carriage (Manifest). Small un-manifested package may be released without submission of an entry.
Kindly note that the concession on the importation of water tanks ended on APRIL 30th, 2021.

DUTY - FREE CONCESSIONS - RELIEF SUPPLIES
Please be advised that Cabinet has granted approval for a 100% waiver of Import duty, VAT, Excise Duties, Customs Service Charge and Bottle Levy on ALL relief supplies imported into the state, consigned to the following:
- The National Energency Management Organization (NEMO)
- The SVG Red Cross
- Rotary Clubs
- Lions Clubs
- Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Or any other established religious, charitable and civic organizations
In addition, Cabinet has also granted approval for 100% waiver of all import taxes (Import Duty, VAT, Excise Duties, Customs Service Charge, and Bottle Levy) on all water imported into the state.
Brokers must use the Customs Procedure Code (CPC) 4700 W14 to access the above concession.
Approval has also been granted for 100% waiver of VAT, Import and other related duties on all barrels containing foodstuff, clothing and relief items, with effect from April 12, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
All are asked to take note and be guided accordingly.
Boarding of Vessels
 

To ensure and enhance the performance of boarding duties, effective Mondy July 13, 2020, the undermention Officers will perfom the functions of Boarding Officers for the month Of July and August. Keith Oniel was selected as a reserve Boarding Officer

Customs & Excise safety measures for returning nationals as it relates to COVID-19

List of Tariff Classification Breakout in light of COVID-19 pandemic period

Concession on barrel in light of COVID-19 pandemic period