The Ministry of Finance would like to advise the general public that, with immediate effect, and until December 31st 2004 (except amended) the following items are granted tax and duty free status, to facilitate social and economic reconstruction. Residential All building materials (with the exception of carpets and paints) necessary to repair damaged houses. Hotel/Hospitality All building materials, furniture, fixtures, and office supplies, needed for replacement of damaged items, or to upgrade existing facilities. (Items of food and beverages not included). Industry/Manufacturing All items of building materials, furniture, machinery and fixtures, and raw materials, needed to replace damaged items, or for upgrading existing facilities. Agriculture All agricultural implements, tools and other inputs, to include irrigation equipment, storage tanks, fertilizers, etc. (Heavy equipment such as tractors will require separate concessions) Vehicles Doors Windscreens Grills Mirrors Other Items Generators Chain Saws Wheel Barrels Food Stuff/Personal Effects, including Barrels, not intended for commercial use. Please note the following: i. A 2.5% Customs Service Charge will be levied on all items listed above, except for agricultural imports, on which no Customs Service Charge is levied. ii. All items that do not qualify are subject to the normal Customs Service Charge of 5%. iii. In the case of Barrels, the Customs Department have been instructed to assess the contents within, to determine the nature of the goods, to ensure that they fall within the category of basic foodstuff for household use only. Items (in a barrel) which do not fall within that category would be subject to the normal duties and taxes. SOURCE: MINISTRY OF FINANCE