List of essential items expanded to broaden duty relief
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that it has expanded the list of essential commodities to help reduce their cost to consumers.
The changes, gazetted on May 8, added a variety of food items, baby care items, household cleaning products and hygiene items to the Essential Commodities Regulations, allowing duty relief for their importation.
A government spokeswoman said that the reduced duty is expected to lead to “meaningful” price reductions at the register for commonly purchased goods.
She added: “For many essential products, duty relief can translate into price decreases ranging from approximately 5 per cent to 25 per cent depending on the item and retailer, providing monthly savings for households on frequently purchased groceries, baby care items and hygiene products.”
The amendments also clarified the listing of some items such as replacing “sanitary products” and “diapers” with “sanitary towels/pads and tampons” and “napkins and napkin liners for babies”.
Fresh produce: avocados, beans, berries, grapes, lemons, limes, mixed greens, onions, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
Meats: deli meats, frozen fish and frozen turkey parts
Dairy: cottage cheese and yoghurt
Bakery, cereal and grains: crackers, muesli, oats and quinoa
Pantry staples: baking soda, canned vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, soups and stock
Infant nutrition and care: baby food, baby wipes, children’s medicines and formula
Household cleaning and hygiene: bleach, lotion, paper products, soap and toothpaste
Maternal: specific named brand breast pump apparatuses
Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, said the changes are part of an effort to address the high cost of living in Bermuda in a practical and measurable way.
The spokeswoman added that the ministry will continue to assess additional measures to support households and ensure that essential goods remain accessible and affordable.
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