Summary Understanding the legal and regulatory environment surrounding the importation of goods into protectionist countries is a tedious and time-consuming exercise. Much of the duty and tax implications are specific to nearly every individual commodity eligible for import. It is critical to take advantage of all services provided by a trade network, specifically customs’ brokerage, in order to smooth over the lack of transparency in the regulatory environment. A custom’s broker is well versed in legal jargon and can efficiently provide estimates for the cost implications of import license fees, custom’s fees, duties, and taxes. Documentation is the major source of bottlenecks in importation, and ensuring that all required documents are filled out accurately is vital to implementing a sustainable supply chain. Despite the fact that specific duty and tax rates are not readily available, many general restrictions were unveiled. St. Lucia is an extremely protectionist country, which only grants clearance to imported goods if the quantity produced on island is not sufficient to meet demand. A consultation with a custom’s broker with experience in the Caribbean, or extensive research and communication with on-island procurement contacts, can guarantee that these restrictions are known before a purchase order is even drafted. In regard to freight forwarding, there is only one shipping lane to St. Lucia, making transport by sea fairly homogenous in timing and price. The cost of shipping by air will vary depending on corporate partnerships with freight forwarders, and may require coordination with the food distributor for special packaging. Overall, developing a strong relationship with a trade network will be critical to the importation of the best product at lowest price, and ensuring adequate product is always on hand at The Landings St. Lucia. Research Document Regulatory/Economic Background
Summary Understanding the legal and regulatory environment surrounding the importation of goods into protectionist countries is a tedious and time-consuming exercise. Much of the duty and tax implications are specific to nearly every individual commodity eligible for import. It is critical to take advantage of all services provided by a trade network, specifically customs’ brokerage, in order to smooth over the lack of transparency in the regulatory environment. A custom’s broker is well versed in legal jargon and can efficiently provide estimates for the cost implications of import license fees, custom’s fees, duties, and taxes. Documentation is the major source of bottlenecks in importation, and ensuring that all required documents are filled out accurately is vital to implementing a sustainable supply chain. Despite the fact that specific duty and tax rates are not readily available, many general restrictions were unveiled. St. Lucia is an extremely protectionist country, which only grants clearance to imported goods if the quantity produced on island is not sufficient to meet demand. A consultation with a custom’s broker with experience in the Caribbean, or extensive research and communication with on-island procurement contacts, can guarantee that these restrictions are known before a purchase order is even drafted. In regard to freight forwarding, there is only one shipping lane to St. Lucia, making transport by sea fairly homogenous in timing and price. The cost of shipping by air will vary depending on corporate partnerships with freight forwarders, and may require coordination with the food distributor for special packaging. Overall, developing a strong relationship with a trade network will be critical to the importation of the best product at lowest price, and ensuring adequate product is always on hand at The Landings St. Lucia. Research Document Regulatory/Economic Background
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