VAT, import duties to be removed on CCTV cameras
Cabinet has taken decision to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties on CCTV camera systems.
This was revealed by National Security Minister Jack Warner during Thursday’s Post Cabinet Media Briefing who reminded that this move is consistent with Government’s promise in the 2012-2013 budget.
“The purchase of CCTV cameras and digital video recording equipment for home owners, for community and business security, small business, large business, all of this will be exempt from custom duties and VAT as of next week when this is confirmed. As such therefore, Cabinet is prepared to forgo millions of dollars so as to bring these cameras online and this is another thrust in the fight against crime.”
The Customs Act Chapter 78:01 will need to be amended to facilitate this change and Minister Warner said the Attorney General will have to pass legislative amendments before this comes into effect.
There will be criteria for the importation of the CCTV cameras and digital video recording equipment.
“Other items such as those as parts imported, distributed or sold separately, those will attract VAT.”
CCTV camera systems are now operational in Tobago and Minister Warner promised that the entire nation will be fully covered.
“We have completed Port of Spain, we have had some problems in the Port of Spain, especially in the Beetham Gardens area where several persons unknown have damaged several cameras. We have them on screen and we have found a creative way to put back these cameras so damage will be minimised. Consequently, it is my hope that in the shortest possible time we shall have this country fully covered so that people can have additional security.”
Minister Warner confirmed that CCTV cameras that were taken down or damaged by such unknown persons have been replaced and they are more effective.
Another promise broken??? Look how long the budget past and this still has not been ratified!!!!!!!