The deadline for duty free concession on barrels imported during the Christmas season has been extended to January 15, 2014.{{more}}

A release from the prime minister’s office, said that the decision to extend the duty free barrel programme, up to and including Wednesday, January 15, 2014, was taken for two main reasons:

1. To aid in the current relief effort in the country, following the heavy rainfall on December 24, 2013.

2. To facilitate the late arrival of barrels from some countries.

The duty free period began on Monday, November 18, 2013 and was originally scheduled to end December 31, 2013.

During the concessions period, households in St Vincent and the Grenadines are allowed to import a maximum of three pieces at a reduced rate. All additional pieces are charged at the regular fee.

This is the thirteenth consecutive year that Vincentians have benefited from the tax-free concessions offered on barrels imported during the Christmas season.

In 2012, 18,000 barrels were cleared during the concessional period.