Boaters arriving in the Territory’s waters are to clear Customs at Ports of Entry in order to remain compliant with the Customs Management and Duty Act.

The Customs Management and Duty Act Section 22 (1) states thatthe master of a vessel arriving in the Territorial waters from a place outside the Territory, shall not cause or permit that vessel to arrive at a place other than a customs port. Additionally,a person importing or concerned in importing any goods in a vessel shall not bring those goods into the Territory at a place other than a customs port.

Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Wade Smith saidthe issuance of this reminder is as a result of an increase in vessels arriving in the Territory’s waters and are not reporting to the Customs ports of entry.

The Commissioner  added that failure to comply with the law may result in a conviction, a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars, or three times the value of the goods, whichever is the greater, and any goods imported in breach of this law and the vessel are liable to forfeiture.

Mr. Smith further stated thatthe law makes provision for boaters who were compelled by accident, stress of weather or other unavoidable cause to arrive at a place other than a customs port to make contact with the Customs Department after arrival.

The Customs Department remains committed to protecting theTerritory’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade efficiently, effectively and economically in order to safeguard its well-being and security.