The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL kvirgil@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday announced several tariff reductions on imports for the 2012/2013 fiscal year. While making his budget communication in the House of Assembly, Mr Christie said the changes are part of his administration's effort to further rationalise tariff and excise rates, encourage energy efficiency and provide relief to consumers. From now on, the tariff rate on solar generators will be reduced from 45 per cent to 35 per cent - the same as other types of generators and solar equipment. Wind generators will have the same reduction. Body lotion and tooth brushes, both previously taxed at 45 per cent, will be reduced to 25 per cent and free respectively. Plastic and steel doors will have a 10 per cent reduction from 35 per cent to 25 per cent, in line with the rate on wood and aluminum doors. Medical equipment, including ECG and EKG machines along with filters for kidney machines, also will be imported tax free - as will animal feed, down from 35 per cent. The tariff rate on air conditioner parts will be reduced from 45 per cent to 40 per cent. The Tariff and Excise Act will be amended during this term to create new headings for products, including bio-diesel at 45 per cent, and make baby pacifiers and breast pumps free to import, the Prime Minister said. A number of headings that were inadvertently omitted from the 2008 Tariff List will be added, he said.