Customs and Excise Duties Act - Cap. 48, Belize, WIPO Lex

Main text(s)

English Customs and Excise Duties Act - Cap. 48

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I: Preliminary
PART II: Customs and Excise Duties
PART III: Revenue Replacement Duty
PART IV: Customs Tariff (Caricom)
PART V: Regulations for inwards duty free shops
PART VI: Importation of goods during disaster emergency
FIRST SCHEDULE
SECOND SCHEDULE
THIRD SCHEDULE
FOURTH SCHEDULE
FIFTH SCHEDULE

BELIZE

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ACT CHAPTER 48

REVISED EDITION 2000

SHOWING THE LAW AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 2000.

This is a revised edition of the law, prepared by the Law Revision Commissioner under the authority of the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1980 -1990.

This edition contains a consolidation of the following laws -Page

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 3

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ACT 6

Amendments in force as at 31^stDecember, 2000.

BELIZE

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ACT CHAPTER 48

REVISED EDITION 2000

SHOWING THE LAW AS AT 31ST DECEMBER, 2000.

This is a revised edition of the law, prepared by the Law Revision Commissioner under the authority of the Law Revision Act, Chapter 3 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1980 -1990.

This edition contains a consolidation of the following laws -Page

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 3

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ACT 6

Amendments in force as at 31^stDecember, 2000.

CHAPTER 48

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

1. Short title. PART I Preliminary

2. Interpretation. PART II

Customs and Excise Duties

Customs duties to be levied.
Regulations.
Mode of ascertaining ad valorem duties.
Determination of value of goods imported duty free or liable to duty which is not ad valorem.
Money, weights and measures.
Mode of ascertaining specific duty.
Articles imported in bags, boxes, etc.
Duty on goods of which part is dutiable.
Definition of “proof spirit”.
What liquors may be classed as wine or malt.

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Drawback on goods shipped in error and on damaged goods.
Repayment of duties.
Goods imported for temporary use.
Temporary visitors’typewriters, etc., exempt from duty.
Refund or the remission of the duty on certain goods.
Refunds of duty on provisions as supplied to Naval, Military or Air Force Authorities.
Drawback on spirits supplied to Officers of H.M. Navy.
Power to alter tariff. 21Excise duty.

Obligation to pay all duties leviable.
Power of Comptroller to enter premises, etc.
Grant of refund or drawback on excise duties in certain circumstances.

PART III

Revenue Replacement Duty

Revenue Replacement Duty.
Collection and enforcement of revenue replacement duty.
No discrimination between imported and locally manufactured goods.

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Interim order to be confirmed, amended or revoked by National Assembly.
Regulations.
Removal of export duties. PART IV

Customs Tariff (Caricom)

Exemptions.
Goods applicable to tariff.
Goods which may be excluded from exemptions by Comptroller.
Imported goods temporarily under the suspended operation of the Caribbean Community Free Trade Area Preference liable to import duty and entry tax.

PART V

Regulations for inwards duty free shops

35. Regulations for inwards duty free shops. PART VI

Importation of goods during disaster emergency

36. Goods imported free of duty during disaster emergency, etc.

FIRST SCHEDULE SECOND SCHEDULE THIRD SCHEDULE FOURTH SCHEDULE FIFTH SCHEDULE

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Ch. 43, R.L., 1958. CAP. 38,

R.E. 1980-1990. 40 of 1963. 26 of 1966. 18 of 1970. 12 of 1971. 13 of 1971. 18 of 1972. 8 of 1973. 2 of 1975. 7 of 1976. 10 of 1976. 5 of 1978. 15 of 1980. 9 of 1981. 11 of 1982. 4 of 1983. 9 of 1984. 13 of 1984. 3 of 1986. 9 of 1986. 18 of 1986. 2 of 1989. 27 of 1991. 14 of 1992. 21 of 1992. 4 and 5 of 1994. 17 of 1994. 17 and 18 of 1995. 9 of 1996. 15 of 1996. 2 of 1997. 13 of 1997. 1 of 1998. 10 of 2000.

S.I. No. 19 of 1960. G 649 of 1972.

CHAPTER 48

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

[27th April, 1949-Parts I-II 10th February, 1973-Part III 18th September, 1971-Parts IV-V]

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1. This Act may be cited as the Customs and Excise Duties Act.	Short title.
PART I
Preliminary
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-	Interpretation.
“agriculture” includes horticulture and silviculture;
“entered” in relation to goods imported or exported, means the registration	17 of 1994.
(acceptance and official numbering) by the Comptroller or other proper officer
of Customs of a declaration signed by or on behalf of the importer or exporter
in the manner prescribed by the Customs Regulation Act, together with the	CAP. 49.
payment to the proper officer by the importer or the exporter of all rents and
charges due to the Government in respect of the goods, and, in the case of
dutiable goods (except on the entry for warehousing of goods), the payment by
the importer or exporter to the proper officer of full duties due thereon, or else,
where permitted, the deposit of a sum of money or giving of security for the
duties, as provided by law;
“First Schedule” means the First Schedule to this Act;	First Schedule.
	27 of 1991.
“goods” means all kinds of goods, wares, merchandise and other articles to
which the provisions of any customs law may be applicable;
“n.e.i.” means “not elsewhere included”;
“p.c.” means per centum;
“reputed pint” means any volume not less than 8 2/3 fluid ounces and not more	26 of 1966.
than 13 1/2 fluid ounces;
“reputed quart” means any volume not less than 20 fluid ounces and not more	18 of 1970.
than 26 2/3 fluid ounces;
“reputed split” means any volume not less than 5 fluid ounces and not more
than 6 2/3 fluid ounces.

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Customs duties to be levied. 7 of 1976. First Schedule. 17 of 1994.

First Schedule.

Regulations. 40 of 1963. 7 of 1976.

Mode of ascertaining duty. 27 of 1991. 17 of 1994. Third Schedule.

PART II

Customs and Excise Duties

3.-(1) Subject to any exemption or rebates provided by or under the authority of this Act, there shall be raised, levied, collected and paid for the use of the Government, the customs duties, in respect of goods imported into Belize, or taken out of bond for consumption in Belize, at the rates set out in the First Schedule.

(2): Without prejudice to any other power enabling the Minister to do so, he may make regulations for the purpose of giving effect to subsection (1), and in particular, for requiring any person concerned in any way with the importation of goods into the country, to furnish to the Comptroller or other officer of Customs delegated by him in such form as he may require, such information as is, in his opinion, necessary for a proper valuation of the goods, and to produce any books of account or other documents of whatever nature relating to the purchase, importation or sale of the goods by that person.
(3): When it is necessary, in determining the value referred to in subsection (1), to establish the equivalent amount in Belize currency, the rate of exchange to be used shall be that provided by the Comptroller and published in the Gazette before the time the goods are entered.

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(4) The importer or his agent shall at the request of the Comptroller or	17 of 1994.
other proper officer of Customs produce the original invoice, and duplicate
thereof if such duplicate is available, in respect of any goods imported into the
country, and the Comptroller may retain such duplicate invoice, or such original
invoice if the duplicate is not available.
6. In determining the value for any purposes of any goods imported free	Determination of
of duty or not liable to an ad valorem duty under the provisions of this Act the	value of goods
Comptroller shall have regard to section 5.	imported duty
	free or liable to
	duty which is
	not ad valorem.
	18 of 1972.
7. All sums of money payable under this Act shall be deemed and are	Money, weights
hereby declared to be legal tender within the meaning of section 22 of the	and measures.
Central Bank of Belize Act, and all duties under this Act shall be paid and	CAP. 262.
received according to the imperial weights and measures by law established,
and in all cases where such duties are imposed according to any specific quan
tity or value the same shall be deemed to apply except where otherwise pro
vided in the same proportion to any greater or lesser quantity or value.
8.-(1) For the purpose of ascertaining the amount of specific duty payable on	Mode of
spirits and wine, six reputed quarts or twelve reputed pints or twenty-four re-	ascertaining
puted splits shall be deemed equivalent to one imperial gallon. Where the vol	specific duty.
ume of spirits and wine in any container is other than a reputed quart, reputed	14 of 1992.
pint or reputed split, the duty shall be paid on the actual volume as ascertained
by measurement. The duty on malt liquor shall in all cases be ascertained by the
actual volume as shown by measurement and not by the reputed quart, pint or
split method.
(2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply to cordials and liqueurs.
9.-(1) If any goods subject to the payment of specific duty is imported in any	Articles im
bag, box, tin, jar, bottle or any other package intended for retail sale and marked	ported in bags,
or labelled or commonly sold as containing or commonly reputed to contain a	boxes, etc.
specific quantity of such goods, such bag, box, tin, jar, bottle or any other
package as aforesaid, shall be deemed, as against the importer, to contain such
specific quantity.

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Duty on goods of which part is dutiable. First Schedule.

Definition of

“proof spirit”.

What liquors may be classed as wine or malt.

(2): In all cases where such package is not so marked or labelled or commonly sold as containing or reputed to contain a specific quantity, the duty, if payable on weight, shall be calculated on the gross weight of such package and its contents.
(3): All packages or coverings of goods subject to the payment of any specific duty shall, except where otherwise provided for, be free of duty when they are in the opinion of the Comptroller the usual or proper packages or coverings for such goods.

The application of the Tariff shall be determined in accordance with the rules and section and chapter notes set out in the First Schedule.
In this Act, the term “proof spirit” means such spirit as at a temperature of fifty-one degrees Fahrenheit, weighs twelve-thirteenths of the weight of an equal bulk of distilled water at the same temperature, and the proof of strength shall be indicated by Sykes’hydrometer.

12.-(1) No liquor containing more than forty-two per centum of proof spirit as verified by Sykes’hydrometer, or as certified by the Government Analyst, shall be deemed wine, and no liquor containing more than twenty per centum of proof spirit as verified by Sykes’hydrometer, or as certified by the Government Analyst, shall be deemed malt liquor.

(2): All liquor with the exception of medicinal spirits admitted as such by the Comptroller, containing more than forty-two per centum of proof spirit verified or certified as aforesaid and all liquor other than wine containing more than twenty per centum of proof spirit verified shall be deemed spirits.
(3): In any case where, by reason of the presence of colouring, sweetening, or other matter, the true strength of any liquor cannot be immediately ascertained by Syke’s hydrometer, a sample of such liquor may be distilled or treated by such other process as the Comptroller may direct, so that the true strength of the liquor may be ascertained by Sykes’hydrometer.

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13. The Comptroller may grant a drawback of the whole or any part of the Drawback on duties paid on the importation of any goods on his being satisfied that such goods shipped

goods-		in error and on
		damaged goods.
(a)	were genuinely shipped in error and that the consignee thereof
	has re-shipped the same goods to the seller or consignor to
	the place from whence they originally came:

Provided that

(i): such goods have been re-shipped within three months . of the date of their importation; and
(ii): no drawbacks shall be allowed on any goods where the amount of such drawback is less than the sum of fifty cents;

(b) if consisting of foodstuffs,were in such a state when shipped as to be unfit for human consumption if the consignee thereof elects to have such goods destroyed under Customs supervision or has re-shipped the same goods to the seller or con-. signor to the place from whence they originally came:

Provided that such goods have been destroyed or re-shipped within fourteen days of their importation;

(c) have depreciated in value or decreased in quantity on account of damage through breakage or other cause in transit, in ship or on shore before delivery:

Provided that

(i): such damage is brought to notice and assessed before the goods have finally passed the Customs;
(ii): no drawback shall be allowed on any goods where the amount of such drawback is less than twenty-five cents;

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Repayment of duties.

Goods imported for temporary use. 19 of 1960.

(d) are re-exported:

Provided that
(i)	the goods have not been sold or used in any way;
(ii)	the amount of import duty involved is not less than
	fifty dollars;
(iii)	the goods are re-exported within one year of being
	first taken out of bond; and
(iv)	the goods are bonded and shipped under the supervi
	sion of the Comptroller.

14. Every sum of money which is due for drawback as provided by section 13 shall be paid by the Financial Secretary on the proper debenture certified by the Comptroller or by the Postmaster General where the duty has been collected by the Post Office, and the Treasury is hereby authorised to return any money which has been overpaid as duties of customs or has been allowed as abatement of duty on account of damage on goods imported, on the proper document for such overpayment or abatement being certified by the Comptroller.

15.-(1) The Comptroller may give permission to any person to bring into Belize any goods, other than cinematograph film for exhibition, without payment of duty thereon upon being satisfied that such goods are so brought in for temporary use only. Such permission shall be subject to the following conditions

(a): that such goods shall be taken out of Belize within six months of the date of such permission or within such other period not exceeding one year as the Comptroller may allow;
(b): that the person to whom such permission is given shall at the election of the Comptroller either deposit with the Comptroller the amount of duty on such goods, or give security for the same to the satisfaction of the Comptroller.

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(2) If such goods are not taken out of Belize within the period allowed in
such permission the deposit in the hands of the Comptroller shall be forfeited,
or the security in lieu of deposit shall become immediately enforceable. If such
goods are taken out of Belize as aforesaid, the deposit shall be refunded, or the
security in lieu of deposit shall become void and of no effect:
Provided that the Comptroller may in his discretion allow any additional
period in the case of paraphernalia imported by scientific expeditions; and pro
vided that typewriters, cameras, telescopes and binoculars which the Comp
troller is satisfied are the bona fide property of any person on a temporary visit
to Belize shall be admitted free of duty.
(3) No entry shall be required for the temporary importation of any motor
vehicle, aircraft or pleasure boat under authority of a form of triptych or similar
document issued by the appropriate authority in accordance with the Interna
tional Convention relative to motor traffic signed at New York on the 4th June,
1954, the Customs Convention on the temporary importation for private use of
aircraft and pleasure boats signed at Geneva on the 18th May, 1956, or any
Convention made in substitution thereof, or in amendment thereof. It shall be a
condition of the delivery of any such motor vehicle, aircraft or pleasure boat
that the original copy of the triptych or document as aforesaid shall be delivered
to the proper officer on importation and the duplicate thereof to the proper
officer who examines the motor vehicle, aircraft or pleasure boat prior to ship
ment for exportation and that proof of shipment and exportation shall be fur
nished upon such duplicates as if such duplicate were a shipping bill.
16. All typewriters, cameras, telescopes and binoculars which the Comp-	Temporary
troller is satisfied are the bona fide property of any person on a temporary visit	visitors’
to Belize shall be admitted free of duty.	typewriters, etc.,
	exempt from
	duty.
17. The Minister upon the report of the Comptroller may exempt any per-	Refund or the
son from the payment of, or refund to any person, the whole or any portion of	remission of the
the duties set forth in the First Schedule in the case of any goods imported	duty on certain
under special circumstances or for an object or an enterprise beneficial to Belize.	goods.
	40 of 1963.
	First Schedule.

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Refunds of duty on provisions as supplied to Naval, Military or Air Force Authorities.

Drawback on spirits supplied to Officers of H.M. Navy.

Power to alter

tariff.

All duties of Customs or Excise paid on provisions and stores supplied by local merchants or contractors to Her Majesty’s Naval, Military or Air Force authorities in Belize for the use of Her Majesty’s Navy,Army or Air Force shall be refunded on the production of a certificate from the Officer Commanding Her Majesty’s Land Forces in Belize or from the Naval Officer Commanding on this Station or from the Officer in charge of any Royal Air Force unit stationed in Belize that the articles have been supplied for such public purposes as aforesaid.
Officers of Her Majesty’s Navy serving on this station shall be entitled to a drawback equal to the duties paid upon any spirits, wines, cordials, liqueurs or malt liquors purchased by them from any importer or trader in Belize upon the production of a certificate, signed by the Officer making the purchase and countersigned by the Officer in Command, that such spirits, wines, cordials, liqueurs or malt liquors were truly and solely for the consumption of such officer or any mess of officers.

20.-(1) The National Assembly may,byresolution, increase, reduce, abolish or otherwise alter any Customs or Excise duty leviable in Belize or may impose a Customs or an Excise duty upon any goods whereon a Customs or an Excise duty at the time when such resolution is passed, is not leviable.

(2): Whenever any resolution imposing any new, or increasing or reducing any existing Customs or Excise duty has been passed by the National Assembly such duty shall, unless it be otherwise expressed in the resolution and subject to subsection (4), from and after the passing thereof, be leviable and recoverable in accordance with the provisions of any existing Act relating to the demand and recovery of duties of the like nature.
(3): A Bill to validate any such resolution shall be introduced into the National Assembly as soon as possible after the passing of such resolution and not later than at the meeting of the National Assembly which takes place next after the passing of such resolution.
(4): In case no Bill is introduced into the National Assembly as provided by subsection (3) or on the withdrawal or rejection by the National Assembly of such Bill, or in case such Bill otherwise fails to become law, every such resolution shall cease to have effect.

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(5)In the event of such resolution ceasing to have effect

(a): a refund of any new duties or any increasing of existing duties collected under the resolution shall be made to the person who shall have paid the same; and
(b): when the resolution shall have effected a reduction of the duty, the Comptroller is hereby authorised to collect the difference between the duty payable at the time of reduction and that fixed by the resolution.

(6): Notwithstanding the provisions of this section the Minister may, when he deems it necessary or expedient to do so, by Order which shall take effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette, reduce or abolish any customs duty set out in the First Schedule, or restore any such duty to its original level as it was before such reduction or abolition.
(7): Every Order made by the Minister under subsection (6) above shall be laid before the National Assembly as soon as possible after the making thereof (but no later than at the meeting of the National Assembly which takes place next after the publication of the Order in the Gazette, or within 40 days of such publication, whichever occurs first) and shall be subject to negative resolution.
(8): In case the Order as aforesaid is not laid before the National Assembly as provided in subsection (7), or on the withdrawal or rejection by the National Assembly of such Order every such Order shall cease to have effect.
(9): In the event of any such Order as is referred in subsection (8) above ceasing to have effect, the provisions of subsection (5) above shall mutatis mutandis apply to any such Order.

There shall be raised, levied, collected and paid for the public use of Belize, the excise duties enumerated in the Second Schedule.
Where any obligation has been entered into for the payment of duties of Customs or Excise, such obligation shall be deemed to be an obligation to pay all duties of Customs or Excise which may become legally payable or which are made payable or recoverable under any Act or law relating to duties of Customs or Excise for the time being in force and to pay the same as the same become payable.

27 of 1991. First Schedule. 27 of 1991.

27 of 1991.

Excise duty. Second Schedule.

Obligation to pay all duties leviable.

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Power of Comp-23.-(1) The Comptroller or any authorised officer of Customs may for any troller to enter purpose related to the administration or enforcement of this Act and at any premises, etc. reasonable time having regard to the regular working hours and the related 17 of 1994. circumstances of the particular business, and on production of his letter of

authorisation, enter into any premises or place where a business is carried on or any property is kept or anything is done in connection with the business or any books or records are or should be kept pursuant to this Act and may:

(a): audit or examine the books and records and any account, voucher, letters, invoices, telegrams or other document which relates or may relate to the information that is or should be in the books or records to the value of imported goods under this Act;
(b): examine property described by an inventory or any property, process or matter, an examination of which may, in his opinion, assist in determining the accuracy of an inventory or in ascertaining the information that is or should be in the books or records or in determining the value of imported goods under this Act;
(c): require the owner or manager of the property or business and any other person on the premises or place to give him all reasonable assistance with his audit or examination either orally or, if he so requires, in writing, on oath or otherwise and, for that purpose, require the owner or manager to attend at the premises or place with him; and
(d): where during the course of such an audit or examination it appears to him that there has been a violation of this Act, seize, take away and retain any of the records, books, accounts, vouchers, letters, invoices, telegrams and other documents that appear to be relevant.

(2) Where any book, record or other document has been seized, examined or produced under this section, the person by whom it was seized or examined or to whom it was produced may make, or cause to be made, one or more copies thereof and in any case in which the person to whom the original document was returned refuses or neglects to produce the original document in court, after having been required to do so by the Comptroller, a

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document purporting to be certified by the Comptroller to be a copy made pursuant to this subsection shall be admissable in evidence and shall be conclusive evidence of the contents of the original document.

24.(1) As from 1st February, 1997, the Comptroller may grant a refund or drawback of the whole or a part of the duties set out in the Second Schedule if he is satisfied that the goods relating to such duty or drawback

(a): were spirits or cigarettes sold to an approved duty free shop; or
(b): were spirits exported for consumption outside Belize whether or not such spirits have been processed:

Provided that where such spirits have been processed, the amount of such refund or drawback shall be determined by using the strength of such spirit at proof.

(2) For the purpose of claiming a refund or drawback under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above, the claimant shall be required to furnish proof to the satisfaction of the Comptroller that the goods in respect of which such refund or drawback is being claimed were sold to an approved duty free shop free of excise duty.

PART III

Revenue Replacement Duty

25.-(1) Where any customs duty or entry tax chargeable in respect of goods of a class or description imported into the country has been removed, altered, reduced or progressively phased down with a view to implementing the treaty establishing the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy¹, the Minister may by Order impose a revenue replacement duty on goods of such class or description or on goods of any other class or description manufactured in the country or imported from a country inside or outside the

See Caribbean Community Act, CAP. 17.

Grant of refund or drawback on excise duties in certain circumstances. Second Schedule.

Revenue

replacement

duty.

13 of 1971.

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Collection and enforcement of revenue replacement duty.

Caricom area which shall become payable from the date of publication of the Order in the Gazette:

Provided that the duty under this section shall be imposed on goods which are for consumption or use within the country.

(2): Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other enactment, the duty under this section shall be imposed without discrimination on all goods of the same type, class or description whether such goods are imported into or manufactured in the country.
(3): The Minister may by Order which shall take effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette increase, reduce or revoke the duty imposed under this section:

Provided that pending confirmation, amendment or revocation of an Order reducing or revoking the duty by a resolution under section 28, the duty payable immediately prior to reduction or revocation shall continue to be payable until such resolution upon its publication in the Gazette takes effect in place of the Order. A refund, if any, of duty paid during the intervening period shall be made in accordance with the rules made under this Part.

26. Any revenue replacement duty imposed by this Part shall be collected and enforced as if

(b): where the goods are manufactured in the country, the duty was excise duty imposed upon such goods under Parts I and II or any other Act,

and for this purpose the provisions of Parts I and II and any regulations made thereunder shall, with such exceptions, adaptations and modifications as may be prescribed by or under this Part, have effect mutatis mutandis in relation to such goods whether such goods are liable to customs duty or excise duty or not.

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27.-(1) No Order made pursuant to section 25 shall make any provision which is discriminatory.

(2) In this section “discriminatory” means affording different treatment to goods of the same description and class by way of imposing different rates of duty attributable wholly or mainly to the country in which the goods are produced, whether Belize or any other country.

28. Every Order made under section 25 shall be submitted to the National Assembly at its next sitting or as soon thereafter as possible; and the National Assembly may by resolution confirm, amend or revoke such Order and, upon publication of the resolution of the National Assembly in the Gazette, the resolution shall take effect in place of the Order.

29.-(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of section 25 and for preventing frauds on the revenue or evasion of payment of duty by the concealment or removal or otherwise unlawful disposal of goods liable to revenue replacement duty and may in particular by those regulations provide for

(a)	the determination of value of goods on which revenue replacement duty is payable;
(b)	the waiver, remission or refund of revenue replacement duty;
(c)	allowances for drawback;
(d)	the registration of manufacturers of goods;
(e)	the payment of fees, rents and charges to be paid in respect of matters referred to in this Part.

(2) Regulations made under this section may provide that a person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the requirements of such regulations shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction for such offence by a

No discrimination between imported and locally manufactured goods.

Interim order to be confirmed, amended or revoked by National Assembly. 14 of 1992.

Regulations.

21 of 1992. 16 of 1995.

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Saving. 9 of 1996.

12 of 1978.

Exemptions. CAP. 49.

court of summary jurisdiction shall be liable to

(a): a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars; and
(b): a further fine not exceeding fifty dollars for each day during which the contravention or failure continues; or
(c): a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both such fine and term of imprisonment.

(3) All such regulations shall be published in the Gazette.

30. The export duty on goods exported from Belize before the repeal of sections 23, 24 and 30 of the Customs and Excise Duties Act, Chapter 38 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 1980-1990, shall, notwithstanding the said repeal, remain payable and may be levied and collected as if the said repeal did not have effect from 1st April, 1996.

PART IV

Customs Tariff (Caricom)

31. Except as otherwise provided in this Part goods which are shown to the satisfaction of the Comptroller of Customs, in accordance with the Customs Regulation Act and others Parts of this Act, to have been

(a): consigned from a part of the Caricom area; and

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32. Section 31 shall not apply to-Goods applicable to tariff. Fifth Schedule.

(a): goods specified in the Fifth Schedule;
(b): goods excluded from section 31 by virtue of section 33;
(c): goods consisting of, or manufactured from, oils or fats within the meaning of clause 2 of the Oils and Fats Agreement made on the 26th January, 1967, between the Governments of Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago or any agreement amending or replacing the same.

33.-(1) Any goods may be excluded by the Comptroller of Customs from Goods which the provisions of section 31 if-may be executed from exemptions by Comptroller.

(a): export drawback was allowable in connection with any exportation from any part of the Caricom area of those goods or of articles used in the production or manufacture of those goods; or
(b): the Comptroller of Customs is not satisfied that export drawback has not been or will not be allowed in respect of those goods; or
(c): goods are in the opinion of the Comptroller of Customs of a class which, having regard to any notification issued by the Minister in accordance with section 34, are liable to customs duty as if sections 31 and 32 did not apply as respects those goods.

(2) Where on importation into the country goods have been treated as coming within the scope of section 31 and after their importation export drawback is allowed, the Comptroller of Customs may, if he thinks fit, recover from the importer the amount of import duty which would have been chargeable on the importation of the goods into the country if the goods had not been treated as coming within the scope of section 31.

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Imported goods temporarily under the suspended operation of the Caribbean Community. Preference liable to import duty and entry tax. 17 of 1994.

Regulations for inwards duty free shops.

(3) In this section:

(a) “export drawback” means any arrangement for the refund or remission, wholly or in part, of import duties applicable to imported goods whereby the arrangement, expressly or in effect, allows the refund or remission if the goods are exported, but not if they are retained for home use:

Provided that, in relation to any transaction, where the Comptroller of Customs is satisfied that the arrangement aforesaid permits only refund or remission of the revenue element of any import duties and does not permit refund or remission of the protective element of any import duties he may, in his discretion, determine that such refund or remission shall not be regarded as export drawback for the purposes of this section;

(b) “remission” includes exemptions for goods brought into free ports and other places which have similar customs privileges.

34. Where the Minister is satisfied that pursuant to the provisions of the Caricom Treaty a country has temporarily suspended the operation of the Customs (Caricom Preference) Regulations in force in respect of any class of goods exported to that country from Belize, the Minister may issue a notification in the Gazette to that effect and thereafter any goods of the like class exported from that country, if entered for use in Belize during the continuance in force of the notification, shall be liable to import duty and entry tax.

PART V

Regulations for inwards duty free shops

35.-(1) The Minister may make regulations for the licensing and establishment of inwards duty free shops and for all matters connected therewith.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Minister may make regulations for any or all of the following matters:

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(a): the fees and other charges that may be payable by the operators of such shops;
(b): the type of goods to be sold in such shops;
(c): the category of persons who may purchase goods from such shops;
(d): the maximum value of purchases which may be made by persons from such shops;
(e): the currency to be used in purchasing such goods;
(f): the areas where such shops may be established;
(g): the maintenance and inspection of records relevant to the storage, sales and receipts of goods;
(h): any other matters for which it may be deemed expedient to make regulations.

(3) All regulations made by the Minister under this section shall be laid before the National Assembly as soon as may be after the making thereof and shall be subject to negative resolution.

PART VI

Importation of goods during disaster emergency

36. The Comptroller may during a threatened disaster alert or a disaster Goods imported

emergency under the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act permit goods ^{free of duty}during disaster

to be imported free of duty where the National Coordinator certifies that the

emergency, etc.

goods are urgently required for dealing with the threat or emergency.

10 of 2000. CAP. 145.

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FIRST SCHEDULE¹

¹This Schedule originally contained in Ch. 43, R.L., 1958 was repealed and replaced by the Customs Tariff and Trade Classification. Because of its voluminous size, it is printed as a seperate booklet by means of a statutory instrument pursuant to sections 3(2) and 20(6) of this Act. It is captioned “Customs Tariff and Trade Classification”.

SECOND SCHEDULE [Sections 21 and 24]

Excise Duties

Unit
Item
No.	Class or Description	For		Rate of
		Classifi-	For	Excise
		cation	Duty	Duty

1. Rum:

15 of 1996. (a) Not exceeding the 18 of 1995.

strength of proof ...... Gals............. per gal............................... $33.50 9/86 15 of 1996. (b) Exceeding the 18 of 1995.

strength of proof....... Gals............. per proof.......................... $33.50 9/86

2. Tobacco:

(a) Cigars:

(1)Weighing not more than 5lb. per 1,000 cigars..... lb................. per 100.............................. 0.30

(2)Weighing more than 5 lb. per 1,000 cigars............lb.................per 100.............................. 0.75

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Excise Duties

Unit
Item
No.	Class or Description	For		Rate of
		Classifi-	For	Excise
		cation	Duty	Duty

(b) Cigarettes:

(1)Weighing not more than 3 lbs. per 1,000 cigarettes............... lb................. per 100.............................. $2.50-9/86

15 of 1996. 18 of 1995.

(2)Weighing more 15 of 1996.

than 3 lbs. per 18 of 1995.

1,000 cigarettes..... lb................. per 100.............................. $2.80-9/86

Methylated spirits and methylated or denatured alcohol made in Belize from rum distilled in Belize.................Gals............ per gal................................ 0.15

Aerated waters:

Not exceed
ing 12 fluid oz..............Pint Pint not exceeding...........$0.07 15 of 1996. 12 fluid oz. -3/86

Not exceed- ................Pint.............Pint not exceeding .........$.11 15 of 1996. ing 17 fluid oz. 17 fluid oz.

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THIRD SCHEDULE

[Section 5]

VALUE OF IMPORTED GOODS

27 of 1991. 1.-(1) In this Schedule:

(a): “Customs value of imported goods” means the value of goods for the purposes of levying ad valorem duties of customs on imported goods;
(b): “produced” includes grown, manufactured and mixed;
(c): “identical goods” means goods produced in the same country which are the same in all respects, including physical characteristics, quality and reputation. Minor differences in appearance shall not preclude goods otherwise conforming to the definition from being regarded as identical;
(d): “similar goods” means goods produced in the same country which, although not alike in all respects, have like characteristics and like component materials which enable them to perform the same functions and to be commercially interchangeable. The quality of the goods, their reputation and the existence of a trademark are among the factors to be considered in determining whether goods are similar;
(e): “identical goods” and “similar goods”, as the case may be, do

not include goods which incorporate or reflect engineering, development, artwork, design work, and plans and sketches for which no adjustment has been made under paragraph 8(1)(b)(iv) because such elements were undertaken in Belize;

(f) “goods of the same class or kind” means goods which fall within a group or range of goods produced by a particular

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industry or industry sector, and includes identical or similar goods.

(2) For the purposes of this Schedule:

(b): one person shall be deemed to control another when the former is legally or operationally in a position to exercise restraint or direction over the latter;

(c) persons who are associated in business with one another in that one is the sole agent, sole distributor or sole concessionaire, however described, of the other shall be deemed to be related only if they fall within the criteria of sub-paragraph

2(a);

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(d): */the term “person” means natural or legal person;
(e): an event shall be deemed to occur about the same time as another event if the first event occurs on the same day as the other event, or within the 45 days immediately before, or the 45 days immediately after, the day on which the other event occurs.

2.-(1) The customs value of imported goods shall be determined under paragraph 3 whenever the conditions prescribed therein are fulfilled.

(2): Where such value cannot be determined under paragraph 3, it shall be determined by proceeding sequentially through paragraphs 4 to 7, inclusive, to the first such paragraph under which it can be determined subject to the proviso that, where the importer requests it and the Comptroller of Customs agrees, the order of application of paragraphs 6 and 7 shall be reversed.
(3): Except as provided for in sub-paragraph (2), it is only when the customs value of imported goods cannot be determined under a particular paragraph that the provisions of the next paragraph in the sequence established by sub-paragraph (2) can be applied.

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(5) No customs value shall be determined under sub-paragraph (4) on the basis of:

(a): the selling price in Belize of goods produced in Belize;
(b): a system which provides for the acceptance for customs purposes of the higher of two alternative values;
(c): the price of goods on the domestic market of the country of exportation;
(d): the cost of production, other than computed values which have been determined for identical or similar goods in accordance with paragraph 7;
(e): the price of the goods for export to a country other than Belize;
(f): minimum customs values; or
(g): arbitrary or fictitious values.

3.-(1) The customs value of imported goods determined under this paragraph shall be the transaction value, that is, the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Belize, adjusted in accordance with paragraph 8, and in appropriate cases paragraph 9, provided:

(a) that there are no restrictions as to the disposition or use of the goods by the buyer, other than restrictions which:

(i): are imposed or required by law or by the public authorities in Belize;
(ii): limit the geographical area in which the goods may be resold; or

(iii) do not substantially affect the value of the goods;

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30	CAP. 48]			Customs and Excise Duties
			(b)	that the sale or price is not subject to some condition or consideration for which a value cannot be determined with respect to the goods being valued;
			(c)	that no part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale, disposal or use of the goods by the buyer will accrue directly or indirectly to the seller, unless an appropriate adjustment can be made in accordance with paragraph 8; and
			(d)	that the buyer and seller are not related, or, where the buyer and seller are related, that the transaction value is acceptable for customs purposes under sub-paragraph (2).
		(2)	(a)	In determining whether the transaction value is acceptable for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), the fact that the buyer and the seller are related within the meaning of paragraph 1 shall not in itself be a ground for regarding the transaction value as unacceptable. Where necessary, the circumstances surrounding the sale shall be examined and the transaction value shall be accepted provided that the relationship did not influence the price. If, in the light of information provided by the importer or otherwise, the Comptroller of Customs has grounds for considering that the relationship influenced the price, he shall communicate the grounds to the importer who shall be given a reasonable opportunity to respond.
			(b)	In a sale between related persons, the transaction value shall be accepted and the goods valued in accordance with subparagraph (1) whenever the importer demonstrates that such value closely approximates to one of the following occurring at or about the same time:
				(i)	the transaction value in sales, between buyers and sellers who are not related in any particular case, of identical or similar goods for export to Belize;
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(ii) the customs value of identical or similar goods, as determined under paragraph 6;

(iii) the customs value of identical or similar goods, as determined under paragraph 7.

In applying the foregoing tests, due account shall be taken of demonstrated differences in commercial levels, quantity levels, the elements enumerated in paragraph 8, and costs incurred by the seller in sales in which he and the buyer are not related, that are not incurred by the seller in sales in which he and the buyer are related.

(c) The tests set forth in sub-paragraph 2 (b) shall be used at the initiative of the importer and only for comparison purposes. Substitute values may not be established under that subparagraph.

(3) (a) The price actually paid or payable is the total payment made or to be made by the buyer to or for the benefit of the seller for the imported goods. Payments may be made directly or indirectly, need not necessarily take the form of a transfer of money, and shall include:

(i): all payments made or to be made as a condition of a sale of the imported goods by the buyer to the seller or by the buyer to a third party to satisfy an obligation of the seller; and
(ii): any settlement by the buyer, whether in whole or in part, of a debt owed by the seller.

(b) Activities, including marketing activities, undertaken by the buyer on his own account, other than those for which an adjustment is provided in paragraph 8, are not considered to be an indirect payment to the seller, even though they might be regarded as of benefit to the seller or have been undertaken

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by agreement with the seller, and their cost shall not be added to the price actually paid or payable in determining the customs value of imported goods.

(b): In applying this paragraph, the transaction value of identical goods in a sale at the same commercial level and in substantially the same quantity as the goods being valued shall be used to determine the customs value. Where no such sale is found, the transaction value of identical goods sold at a different commercial level and/or in different quantities, adjusted to take account of differences attributable to commercial level and/or to quantity shall be used, provided that such adjustments can be made on the basis of

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demonstrated evidence which clearly establishes the reasonableness and accuracy of the adjustment, whether the adjustment leads to an increase or a decrease in value.

(4): For the purposes of this paragraph, the transaction value of similar imported goods means a customs value previously determined under paragraph 3, adjusted as provided for in sub-paragraph (1)(b) and (2) of this paragraph.

5.-(1) (a) If the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are sold in Belize in the condition as imported, the customs value of the imported goods, determined under this paragraph, shall be based on the unit price at which the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are

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sold in the greatest aggregate quantity, at or about the time of the importation of the goods being valued, to persons who are not related to the persons from whom they buy such goods, subject to deductions for the following:

(i): either the commissions usually paid or agreed to be paid or the additions usually made for profit and general expenses (including the direct and indirect costs of marketing the goods in question) in connection with sales in Belize of imported goods of the same class or kind;
(ii): the usual costs of transport and insurance and associated costs incurred within Belize; and

(iii) the customs duties and other taxes payable in Belize by reason of the importation or sale of the goods.

(b): If neither the imported goods nor identical nor similar imported goods are sold at or about the time of importation of the goods being valued, the customs value of imported goods determined under this paragraph shall, subject otherwise to the provisions of sub-paragraph (1)(a), be based on the unit price at which the imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are sold in Belize in the condition as imported at the earliest date after the importation of goods being valued but before the expiration of 90 days after such importation.
(2): If neither the imported goods nor identical nor similar imported goods are sold in Belize in the condition as imported, then if the Comptroller of Customs so decides, the customs value shall be based on the unit price at which the imported goods, after further processing, are sold in the greatest aggregate quantity to persons in Belize who are not related to the persons from whom they buy such goods, due allowance being made for the value added by such processing and the deductions provided for in sub-paragraph (1)(a). Where this method of valuation is used, deductions made for the value added by further processing shall be based on objective and quantifiable data relating to the cost of such work. Accepted industry formulas, recipes, methods of construction and other industry practices shall form the basis of the calculations.

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(3): In this paragraph, the unit price at which imported goods or identical or similar imported goods are sold in the greatest aggregate quantity is the price at which the greatest number of units are sold in sales to persons who are not related to the persons from whom they buy such goods at the first commercial level after importation at which such sales take place.
(4): Any sale in Belize to a person who supplies directly or indirectly free of charge or at reduced cost for use in connection with the production and sale for export of the imported goods any of the elements specified in paragraph 8 (1)(b), shall not be taken into account in establishing the unit price for the purposes of this paragraph.

(5) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (1)(a)(i)

(a): “profit and general expenses” shall be taken as a whole. The figure for the purposes of this deduction shall be determined on the basis of information supplied by or on behalf of the importer unless his figures are inconsistent with those obtaining in sales of imported goods of the same class or kind. Where the importer’s figures are inconsistent with such figures, the amount for profit and general expenses may be based upon relevant information other than that supplied by or on behalf of the importer; and
(b): in determining either the commission or the additions usually made for profit and general expenses the questions whether certain goods are of the same class or kind as other goods shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by reference to the circumstances involved. In doing this, sales for which the necessary information can be provided of the narrowest group

or range of imported goods of the same class or kind as the goods being valued should be examined;

(c) “goods of the same class or kind” includes goods imported from the same country as the goods being valued as well as goods imported from other countries.

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(6) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (1)(b) the “earliest date” shall be the date by which sales of the imported goods or of identical or similar imported goods are made in sufficient quantity to establish the unit price.

6.-(1) The customs value of imported goods determined under this paragraph shall be based on a computed value which shall consist of the sum of:

(a): the cost or value of materials and fabrication or other processing employed in producing the imported goods;
(b): an amount for profit and general expenses equal to that usually reflected in sales of goods of the same class or kind as the goods being valued which are made by producers in the country of exportation for export to Belize;
(c): the cost or value of the items referred to in paragraph 8(1)(e).

(2): The cost or value of the items referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) above shall include the cost of elements specified in paragraph 8(1)(a)(ii) and (iii). It shall also include the value, duly apportioned, of any element specified in paragraph 8(1)(b) which has been supplied directly or indirectly by the buyer for use in connection with the production of the imported goods. The value of the elements specified in paragraph 8(1)(b)(iv) which are undertaken in Belize shall be included only to the extent that such elements are charged to the producer. No cost or value of an element referred to in this sub-paragraph shall be counted more than once in determining the computed value.
(3): The “cost or value” referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(a) shall be determined on the basis of information relating to the production of the goods being valued supplied by or on behalf of the producer provided that these accounts are consistent with the generally accepted accounting principle applied in the country where the goods are produced.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)

(a) the “amount for profit and general expenses” shall be taken as a whole and shall be determined on the basis of information

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supplied by or on behalf of the producer unless his figures are inconsistent with those usually reflected in sales of goods of the same class or kind as the goods being valued which are made by producers in the country of exportation for export to Belize;

(b): if the producer’s own figures for profit and general expenses are not consistent with those usually reflected in sales of the goods of the same class or kind referred to in sub-paragraph (4)(a) the amount for profit and general expenses may be based upon relevant information other than that supplied by or on behalf of the producer of the goods;
(c): “goods of the same class or kind” means goods imported from the same country as the goods being valued;
(d): “whether goods are of the same class or kind” as other goods shall be determined on a case by case basis with reference to the circumstances involved. In doing this, sales for export to Belize of the narrowest group or range of goods of the same class or kind as the goods being valued for which the necessary information can be provided should be examined;
(e): the “general expenses” referred to cover the direct and indirect costs of producing and selling the goods for export which are not included under sub-paragraph (1)(a).

7.-(1) In determining the customs value under paragraph 3, there shall be added to the price actually paid or payable for the imported goods:

(a) the following, to the extent that they are incurred by the buyer but are not included in the price actually paid or payable for the goods:

(i) commission and brokerage, except buying commissions;

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(ii) the cost of containers which are treated as being one for customs purposes with the goods in question;

(iii) the cost of packing, whether for labour or materials;

(c): royalties and license fees, which, among other things, may include payments in respect of patents, trademarks and copyright, related to the goods being valued that the buyer must

pay, either directly or indirectly, as a condition of sale of the goods being valued, to the extent that such royalties and fees are not included in the price actually paid or payable;

(d) the value of any part of the proceeds of any subsequent resale, disposal or use of the imported goods that accrues directly or indirectly to the seller;

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(e) (i) the cost of transport of the imported goods to the port or place of importation;

(ii) loading and handling charges associated with the transport of the imported goods to the port or place of importation; and

(iii) the cost of insurance.

(2): No additions shall be made to the price actually paid or payable in determining the customs value except as provided in this paragraph.
(3): Additions to the price actually paid or payable shall be made under this paragraph only on the basis of objective and quantifiable data; and if such do not exist a transaction value shall not be determined under the provisions of paragraph 3.
(4): In this paragraph, the term “buying commissions” means fees paid by an importer to his agent for the service of representing him abroad in the purchase of the goods being valued.

(5) Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (1)(c) of this paragraph:

(a): charges for the right to reproduce the imported goods in Belize shall not be added to the price actually paid or payable for the imported goods in determining the customs value; and
(b): payments made by the buyer for the right to distribute or resell the imported goods shall not be added to the price actually paid or payable for the imported goods if such payments

are not a condition of the sale for export to Belize of the goods.

8.-(1) Charges for interest under a financing arrangement entered into

by the buyer and related to the purchase of imported goods shall not be in

cluded in the customs value determined under paragraph 3 provided that:

(a) the charges are distinguished from the price actually paid or

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payable for the goods;

(b): the financing arrangements have been made in writing;

(2) The provisions of sub-paragraph (1) shall apply regardless of whether the finance is provided by the seller, a bank or another person; and it shall also apply, mutatis mutandis, where customs value is determined under a method other than the transaction value.

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List of Abbreviations

Ad. Val. ..				..	..	..	..	..	Ad Valorem
Bd. ft	..			..	..	..	..	..	Board feet
Cu. ft.			..	..	..	..	..	..	Cubic feet
Dzs.			..	..	..	..	..	..	Dozens
Doz. pks.				..	..	..	..	..	Dozen packs
Dozen prs.				..	..	..	..	..	Dozen pairs
Gall.		..		..	..	..	..	..	Gallon (imperial)
Lb.		..		..	..	..	..	..	Pound
No.		..		..	..	..	..	..	Number
Oz.		..		..	..	..	..	..	Ounce
Sq. ft.		..		..	..	..	..	..	Square feet
Sq. yds.				..	..	..	..	..	Square yards
00 lb. ..				..	..	..	..	..	Hundreds of
									pounds
00 nuts ..				..	..	..	..	..	Hundreds of nuts

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FOURTH SCHEDULE [Section 30] Export Duties

Class or description of goods Unit Rate of Duty

Mahogany, cedar, pine and other wood Ad Val. 5%
Fish as defined in the Fisheries Act, except farm shrimp and lobster Ad Val. 5%
Lobster Ad Val. 5% or 75¢ per lb., whichever is less
Sugar, Raw Ad Val. 2%

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FIFTH SCHEDULE

[Section 32]

Goods in respect of which no exemption from import duties or entry tax is granted under Part IV.

Column 1 Column 2Column 3

Standard International B.H. Trade Classification Tariff Item No. Class or Description of Goods Original

046-01Ex 42 Flour of Wheat Ex 048-04 48-49 Biscuits, sweetened or

unsweetened 112-03 108 Beer, stout, ale 112-04 110 Gin 112-04 111 Rum 112-04 112 Whisky 112-04 Ex 114 Vodka 121-01 115-116 Tobacco, unmanufactured

(including scrap tobacco and tobacco stems) 122 118 Manufactured tobacco except cigars Ex 657-03 142 Ex 299, 312 Coir products, mats and matting 313 164-174 Petroleum products

Ex 899-13 Ex 500 Brushes made with plastic bristles, except paint brushes and artists’

brushes

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[continued from previous page]

Column 1 Column 2Column 3

053 Ex 62-65 Fruits preserved and fruit preparations, except frozen citrus concentrates and citrus segments

Ex 533 214-217 Prepared paints, enamels, lacquer and varnishes, ships bottom compositions, putty and all other (including driers)

629-01257-265 Tyres and tubes for vehicles Ex 552-02 235 Cleaning preparations without soap (detergents)

561237-240 Fertilizers Ex 632 270 Crates and wooden containers Ex 681 347 Finished structural parts of

iron or steel Ex 721-04 Ex 412-413 Radio and television sets Ex 721-19 420 Accumulators Ex 821 450-451

Wooden furniture, metal

furniture Ex 821-09 Ex 245,268,452 Mattresses Ex 841 Ex 457-458A Underwear and shirts of

knitted fabrics, underwear, shirts and nightwear of fabrics other than knitted outerwear of non-knitted textile fabrics

Ex 851-01 Ex 465, 466,467 Slippers and house foot472 wear, wholly or mainly 851-02 of leather. Footwear, wholly or mainly of leather (not including slippers and house footwear).

THE SUBSTANTIVE LAWS OF BELIZE REVISED EDITION 2000

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the Government of Belize.

Customs and Excise Duties Act - Cap. 48, Belize

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