30.9.22
Premier takes action on the cost of food – Duty eliminated on various essentialsAs first promised in July, Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt today introduced legislation to drop duty rates on a list of 21 essential goods.
Premier Burt said: “Since the House rose just before Cup Match, we have been working on concrete measures to address the cost of living. As I said then, the cost of food is increasing and the Government is committed to reducing the price for essential goods that many families must buy weekly.”
The Bill tabled today is the Customs Tariff Amendment (No.3) Act 2022.
The Premier continued: “This legislation reduces the duty on these items to 0%, and that reduction will serve to reduce costs to consumers. Critically, we have not just applied this to food but also to diapers for babies, laundry and dish detergent and feminine products like pads and tampons.”
The Bill reduces the rate of import duty to zero (0%) for 21 categories of essential goods as follows: ground beef; chicken (fresh, chilled or frozen); turkey (fresh, chilled or frozen); butter; processed cheese slices; cheddar cheese; green beans; fresh bananas; pepper; cooking oil; tuna (canned and dry packed); pasta; bread (fresh or chilled); jam; peanut butter; tomato ketchup and other tomato sauce; bath soap bars; laundry detergent; dish detergent; diapers for babies; and sanitary towels (pads) and tampons.
Premier Burt concluded: “Bermudian families are working hard to make ends meet, and the Government has a responsibility to deliver relief to support the people. Grocers, retailers and wholesalers have been collaborative and continue to work with the Cost of Living Commission in this effort, and I truly thank them. This is another step in providing assistance to the community and keeps the promise the Government made to provide relief in key areas.”