Frequently Imported Items Made Duty-Free

The Budget includes duty reductions on household goods, school supplies and a number of other frequently imported items.

Duty Free Home Refrigerators of 18 cubic feet or smaller
Duty Free Home Stoves that are 30 inches wide or smaller
Duty Free musical instruments
Pens (from 10 percent to free)
Pencils (from 10 percent to free)
Crayons (from 10 percent to free)
Sharpeners (from 45 percent to free)
School Rulers (from 10 percent to free)
Chart Paper (from 20 percent to free)
Fire Extinguishers (from 45 percent to free)

Duty Reductions

Flashlights (from 45 percent to 25 percent)
Garbage Can Liners (from 45 percent to 25 percent)
Projectors (from 45 percent to 35 percent)
Projector Screens (from 45 percent to 35 percent)
Radios (from 45 percent to 35 percent)
Pots/Pans (from 45 percent to 25 percent)
And all Household Furniture (from 45 percent to 25 percent)

VAT-Free Utilities

Temporary Measure Made Permanent

Last fiscal year, the Government increased the threshold for VAT zero-rating on Light Bills from those under $200 to those under $300. It was approved as a temporary measure that was to expire at the end of June.

The higher ceiling has been made permanent, and customers will continue to enjoy VAT-Free electricity bills under $300. Water Bills under $50 per billing cycle will also continue to be VAT-Free for consumers.

Other Tax Cuts

Environmental Protection and Advancement

To advance the Government's commitment to environmental sustainability, several tax measures have been customised to not only protect the environment, but also to increase environmental awareness across all islands.

Customs Duty Reductions

The Government has streamlined the rates on all new electric and hybrid vehicles valued up to $50,000 to 10 percent. This measure will remain in effect for 5 years, after which this special revision will revert closer to the rates for other small size vehicles.
Duty is reduced from 65 percent to 45 percent on new vehicles between 1.5 liters (1500cc) and 2.0 liters (2000cc) valued at $50,000 or less. In this context, only cars with less than 200 miles on the odometer will be considered ‘new’. This makes smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles more affordable.

In strategizing our revenue efforts, we are cognizant to consider both the vulnerabilities in our country and the citizens that are most affected by these vulnerabilities, as well as the necessary action that will garner the resources we require. Though striking a balance between the two can prove challenging, at times, we are, and will remain committed to putting Bahamians first as we work to better this country."

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