The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) yesterday delivered a judgment upholding the classification decision of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on cement, known as Rock Hard Cement which is imported and distributed within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by Rock Hard Distribution Limited, Mootilal Ramhit and Sons Contracting Limited and Rock Hard Cement Limited.
According to release from the CCJ, these proceedings in its Original Jurisdiction mark the culmination of complex litigation which to date has resulted in five separate judgments and numerous orders.
This judgment has settled the dispute as to whether Rock Hard Cement ought to be classified as ‘Building cement (grey)’ and be charged a CARICOM tax of 15% when imported into the region, or as ‘Other hydraulic cement’ which attracts a levy of 0-5%.
