Duty exemption

(1) Subject to sub-section (1A) and (4), every order made by the Minister under section 4, shall specify the duty exemption period which shall be of not more than fifteen years duration commencing from the date of the approved enterprise order, provided that the Minister may, in the case of an export enterprise, on application made by the company, review its operations and renew the duty exemption period for a further term not exceeding ten years. (1A) In the case of a company which is engaged in agriculture, agro-industry, food-processing, mariculture or manufacturing and whose operation is highly labour intensive and whose production is strictly for export, the duty exemption period may be for a maximum of twenty-five years. 13 (2) Subject to sub-section (3), during the duty exemption period, every company granted an approved enterprise order may import into Belize, free of customs duty and stamp duty– (a) all building materials, plant, machinery, equipment, tools including specialist hand tools (but not including other hand tools), utility and transport vehicles, fixtures and fittings, office equipment, and appliances; (b) spare parts on plant and plant related machinery and agricultural machinery; (c) any raw materials or other items imported for use in the approved enterprise, upon production to the Comptroller of a certificate issued by the Executive Chairperson of BELTRAIDE Secretary that such articles or materials are necessary for the establishment or expansion and conduct of the approved enterprise, and upon such terms and conditions as may be specified in the certificate. (3) Except in the case of an export enterprise exporting to non- CARICOM countries, no duty exemption shall be granted for any raw materials or articles which are available in Belize or in any Member State provided that they are of comparable quality and price. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section it shall be open to the Minister to order that no duty exemption shall be granted to an enterprise under this Act.