This Thursday, the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP by its Spanish initials) reported that it has been decided to extend until June 30, 2023 the tariff benefits temporarily approved by Resolution 309, of July 15, 2021, regarding the exemption from payment of customs tax for non-commercial importation of food, toiletries and medicines by passengers and as accompanied baggage.
In a note, the MFP explained that the extension takes into account "that the limitations on the supply of food and other products in the national market persist as a result of the tightening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade exercised by the US administration against our country and the aggravation of the global and multidimensional economic crisis, which has resulted in the growth of international prices of merchandise necessary to satisfy the needs of the population and the economic and social development of the country”.
It points out that, "consequently with the above, the benefit of importing these products is extended without limits in value and quantities."
The note from the Ministry of Finance and Prices informs that on this occasion the measure is implemented through Resolution 298 of December 9, 2022, of that body, published in the Official Gazette No. 83 (extraordinary) of December 15, 2022.
It specifies that the Ministry of Public Health and the General Customs of the Republic have extended the suspension of the import limits of medicines, food and cleaning products, through the respective resolutions.
In relation to the temporary tariff benefits provided by resolutions 318 and 321 of July 2021 of the MFP, which expire on December 31, on the exemption from paying tariffs for imports of food and personal hygiene products and the household by state entities and international economic associations, as well as inputs and raw materials destined for non-state forms of management for the exercise of their activities, Resolution 298 of 2022 grants an extension of these benefits to imports made in 2023, provided that the goods have been shipped at origin until December 31 of this year.
The MFP highlights that, as part of the gradual recovery of the economy and the objective of achieving the stabilization of macroeconomic indicators, among which is the reduction of the fiscal deficit, it is necessary to maximize tax revenues in correspondence with the activities and events taxes that are incurred.
"The tariff benefits for the importation of products, raw materials and inputs for certain productive and service activities will be issued promptly by the MFP, upon request and justification of the importing entities or those that provide import services, taking into account the benefits they report to the national economy and the population, and according to the procedure established for such purposes”, concludes the note.
Official Gazette No. 83 (extraordinary), of December 15, 2022