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Barbados drafts duty-free code of ethicsBarbados drafts duty-free code of ethics
Gavin Lipsith
23-Jun-2006
The new code includes measures for greater cooperation with Customs authorities to reduce abuse of the duty-free system
The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has drafted a code of ethics with duty-free retailers in order to help authorities stem alleged abuse within the sector. Under the new code duty-free shops will have to provide details of their sales transactions within two days of the sales being made.The measures follow claims that the majority of duty-free sales in the country are going to local residents rather than tourists, violating the principle that duty-free goods are destined for consumption outside of Barbados. BCCI executive director Ruall Harris told local television network CBC News that the chamber had issued a memorandum of understanding to retailers stating that goods should only be sold to departing passengers.
"We have commissioned a code of ethics and we are now looking at the first draft," he said. "In addition we have agreed with Customs that retailers will pro vide their sales data so the authorities can spot any potential abuse."
Customs comptroller Joseph Best said that abuse of the duty-free system was "prevalent" and must be addressed. "Duty-free good are meant to be sold to tourists and are not intended for consumption within Barbados," he said. "Abuse of the system effectively robs the government of revenues."
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