Several pieces of equipment have been detained as part routine operation involving the Customs Internal Audit, Task Force and Compliance Unit.

Commissioner of Customs Mr. Wade Smith said the pieces of equipment detained in the operation by the department’s special units, appear to be in contravention of the Customs Management and Duties Act No. 6 of 2010.

Smith stated that the  operation is a part of  a series  of site visits to ensure that importers who receive concessionary benefits are utilising equipment and materials in accordance with the criteria set out in the legislation and whatever contractual agreements between the government of the Virgin Islands and the importers. 

He added, “The concessionary beneficiaries which are being audited are first time home builders, hotel aid, pioneer status, encouragement of industries, taxi exemption etc., and anyone who contravenes the terms and conditions of the various legislation may face severe fines and penalties ranging up to three times the value of the goods or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both and any goods in respect of which the offense was committed are liable to forfeiture.”

The Commissioner also stated that this legislation does not exempt anyone as it relates to diversion of imported or exported goods, but not limited to goods outlined in Schedule 5 (eligible for duty free exemption) of the Customs Management and Duties Act No. 6 of 2010.

The Commissioner is further advising importers that undervaluation of imported and exported goods is a contravention of the Customs Act which carries severe fines and penalties.

For more information about the equipment detained, telephone the Customs Department at 468-6800.