Query on customs ease on 2000cc cars

Dear Editor,

The Minister of Finance in his 2019 budget speech stated that:

“6.4 In addition, Mr. Speaker, hybrid and electric vehicles were exempted in Budget 2017, from the payment of Excise Tax. I now propose:

i. To amend the Customs Act to include relief from Customs duty for cars with a capacity equivalent to 2000 cc in Watts”.

Perusal of the Gazette after passing of budget showed all of the budget changes being gazetted except the one above relating to removal of duty on 2000cc hybrid and electric vehicles.

Calls to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance proved futile. I would appreciate if either the GRA or the Minister of Finance office can provide some information on when this change will be gazetted.

Yours faithfully,

Harrish Singh