Antigua tightens controls on duty-free retailers

Stefanie Ives

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The island’s government has issued new regulations that require shoppers to provide proof of tourist status before purchasing

Antigua’s government is to tighten controls on duty-free shopping on the island. Local reports suggest that operators must now provide proof that duty-free and tax- free concessions are only given to tourists.

The government said that as of January 29, duty-free shops were required to supply proof that shoppers would depart Antigua within two weeks. Regulations issued by the Ministry of Finance state that purchases must be accompanied by invoices showing – among other things - airline ticket numbers, rather than the flight numbers that been required in the past.

Local store-owners have already complained that the measures affect their legitimate business and that they have been forced to turn away eligible tourists due to their not carrying the necessary documentation.