In response to the concerns raised by the general public, particularly householders and the poor and vulnerable, Government has extended the tax and duty free status on the following items for a further two (2) months until February 28th, 2005. A. Residential All building materials (with the exception of carpets and paints) necessary to repair damaged houses. B. 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). C. Industry/Manufacturing All items of building materials, furniture, machinery and fixtures, and raw materials, needed to replace damaged items, or for upgrading existing facilities. D. 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) E. Barrels for necessitous persons, as per the list maintained by the Ministry of Social Development and for registered churches and charitable organizations that are importing food and personal items for distribution. F. Other Items 1. Chain Saws 2. Wheel Barrels The public is asked to note that 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. All items that do not qualify are subject to the normal Customs Service Charge of 5%. Source: Ministry of Finance