PRESS RELEASE — The Government of Saint Lucia introduced the Health and Security Levy (The Levy) to raise additional revenue to finance health and security projects for the benefit of Saint Lucians and visitors to our island.
The revenue from the Health and Security Levy will go towards the maintenance of police stations around the island, providing additional tools and equipment for law enforcement officers and funding the rollout of the government’s Universal Healthcare (UHC) project to make public healthcare more affordable and accessible for the average Saint Lucian.
THE FACTS WHO PAYS THE LEVY?
• The Levy is charged on goods entering Saint Lucia by the Customs & Excise Department.
• The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia, collects The Levy on services only.
EXEMPTIONS: Goods that did not attract Value Added Tax (VAT) and zero-rated goods will not be subjected to The Levy. This exemption ensures fairness and transparency in the taxation system.
EXAMPLE SCENARIO: If you import charcoal products into Saint Lucia, your goods will be subjected to The Levy in alignment with the government’s commitment to strengthening health and citizen security.
PLEASE NOTE: The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) does not collect The Levy from the sale of locally-made charcoal. There are no charcoal merchants registered with the IRD collecting The Levy on behalf of the government. The IRD on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia, collects The Levy on services.
The Government of Saint Lucia remains dedicated to improving the health and security of its citizens. It is grateful for the cooperation of importers and the local community in achieving this shared goal.
