Saturday has been derisively referred to as national free zone day - the first day in free zone history that the gates will be opened to all Belizeans - not just the usual parade of well connected players and high rolling businessmen in glossy SUVs. And while many Belizean shoppers are eager to use the holiday weekend to scoop up some great deals, before you start cleaning out those suitcases and duffel bags, tonight we have a few words of caution.
First. The Customs Department has sent out a notice today reminding shoppers that no cigarettes, liquors, beer or soft drinks will be allowed out of the zone. The notice warns: these will be taken away. Shopping items left in vehicles at the checkpoint will also be taken away. Everything has to be taken inside through the Customs processing area. And the notice also warns shoppers not to try and conceal goods in their vehicles in the hopes of smuggling it through. Those who are caught will be charged for a criminal offence.
And most importantly, all items purchased in the Zone must pay 30% duty, 10% GST and 2% environmental tax. Added up that's 42% tacked unto to the cost of goods - so make sure to carry your calculator. And as for the $50 exemption given to those who shop in Chetumal, no go for the Free Zone. That allowance is only given to those who shop abroad. And BAHA has also warned that meats and fish products including ham and turkey cannot be brought in from the Free Zone. But they can be consumed there.
And that brings us to the other point. While liquor, beer, soft drinks and cigarettes cannot leave the zone, they can be consumed there. Pretty much the same goes for gasoline as Customs has confirmed that shoppers who go in vehicles will be allowed to fill up in the Zone where fuel products are less than half the retail price of fuel purchased outside the Zone.
