Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-I§26 |
Belize |
2017 |
Measures |
Internal taxes |
Not specified |
Relevant information
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Belize remains dependent on trade taxes for government revenue, and its tariff regime comprises a number of different rates (Section 3.1), leading to widely different effective rates of protection for different activities. Furthermore, trade taxes on imports include not only tariffs, but also an environmental tax, a revenue replacement duty, and other duties and charges. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-I§30 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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In April 2016, the Government adopted the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS), which guides policies for sustainable and inclusive growth during the period 2016-20. (...)
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-Table-II.2 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Table 2.2 Main trade-related legislation, 2016
Area Legislation
Environment Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 328, Revised Edition 2000
Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 107, 1995
Pollution Regulations (S.I. 56, 1996)
Environmental Protection (Effluent Limitations) Regulations (S.I. 94, 1995)
Coastal Zone Management Act 1998, Chapter 329, Revised Edition 2003
(...)
Mining Mines and Minerals (Safety, Health and Environmental) Regulations No. 33, Revised Edition 2003
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-II§28 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Food security and its link to the depletion of fishing resources is another concern for Belize. Belize supports the ACP position that seeks a decision on the elimination of fisheries subsidies which have led to over-fishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-II§36 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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In addition to trade in goods, the EPA covers trade in services; investment; intellectual property; transparency in public procurement; competition; and development support. Sectors excluded are processing of nuclear material, trade in arms, audiovisual services, national maritime cabotage, and air traffic rights. Annex IV F to the Agreement lists limitations to market access and national treatment for trade in services.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-II§52 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Relevant information
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There are provisions related to investment in the EU-CARIFORUM EPA and in the Partial Scope Agreement between Belize and Guatemala. The EPA provides that the EU and CARIFORUM States must ensure that investment is not encouraged through any lowering or relaxing of environmental, labour, occupational health and safety legislation, core labour standards or laws aimed at protecting and promoting cultural diversity. Annex IV F of the EPA contains limitations to investment in services. The PSA with Guatemala requires each party to treat investment from the other party on the same terms and conditions it applies to any third party.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-II§54 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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Relevant information
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Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), a statutory body operating within the portfolio of MEPITC, serves as the first stop for individuals and businesses seeking to invest in Belize. It assists them with relevant information and contacts, provides guidance throughout the entire investment process, and administers investment incentives schemes. According to BELTRAIDE's investment manual, six areas of investment have been prioritized: agri business (inclusive of fisheries and aquaculture), tourism, medical tourism, international financial services, renewable energy, and business process outsourcing (BPO).
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-II§59 |
Belize |
2017 |
Trade Policy Framework |
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The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Investment (CSCI), formalized by a Cabinet Decision in 2014, is a ministerial committee responsible for reviewing large investment projects (exceeding US$5 million) and conducting assessment and due diligence to ensure meaningful investments and maximize benefits to the people and Government of Belize. The CSCI is chaired by the Minister of State of the MEPITC. A framework (known as the five point analysis) has been established in order to provide transparency and a methodology to assess proposed investments. According to the framework, a proposed investment should: (a) be socially and economically acceptable and legally doable; (b) bring revenue to the Government; (c) bring meaningful employment; (d) bring foreign exchange; and (e) preserve and possibly enhance the environment and respect the cultural heritage of Belize. This procedure is applied to investments other than those covered under the EPZ, free zones and fiscal incentives programmes.
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-III§31 |
Belize |
2017 |
Measures |
Internal taxes |
Not specified |
Relevant information
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During the review period, a number of changes were made to taxes collected at the border. In particular, the amendment to the Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) Act in April 2016 removed revenue replacement duties on CARICOM goods, and increased the scope of goods subject to excise duties. Following these changes, the border taxes are import tariffs, revenue replacement duties, and an environmental tax. These taxes are not applied on domestically produced goods or services; they are applied on imports from non-CARICOM countries only. Some taxes are collected on both domestically produced goods and services, and on imported ones; they include the general sales tax (GST) and excise duties (Section 3.3.1).
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Secretariat TPR |
WT/TPR/S/353/REV.1 |
S-III§33 |
Belize |
2017 |
Measures |
Internal taxes |
Not specified |
Relevant information
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The environmental tax is levied on goods imported into Belize from non-CARICOM countries, while domestic goods are not subject to such tax. For vehicles with over four cylinders, this tax is applied at a rate of 5%; for fuel products, the tax is BZ$0.18 per imperial gallon; and for all other goods, the tax is applied at a rate of 2%. Some goods are exempted from this tax, such as some basic food stuffs, medicines and medical supplies for human use.
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