DNA committee hears Tax Authority and Customs Union on new customs law

The Commissie van Rapporteurs (CvR, Committee of Rapporteurs) on Monday, October 12, heard the Belastingdienst Suriname (Suriname Tax Administration) and the Douanebond (Customs Union) as part of preparations for the General Customs Act 2026. The draft legislation is intended to provide a modern legal framework for the handling and control of goods entering and leaving Suriname.

During three consecutive meetings, the committee discussed the content of the draft and the further legislative process. The Belastingdienst, led by director Marita Lautan-Wijnerman, gave a presentation on the development, structure and proposed provisions.

The General Customs Act 2026 has been designed as a framework law. This means that the law lays down the general frameworks, while further rules for its implementation will be elaborated by state decree.

Rules for exports and control

The presentation addressed, among other things, goods leaving Suriname’s customs territory. The draft contains provisions on permitted export routes, the customs clearance procedure, the summary export declaration and the notification of means of transport before departure. Exemptions from formalities, border traffic and additional implementing regulations are also provided for.

The committee then discussed how the proposed law should contribute to the proper collection of customs duties and the safety of society in the import of goods.

Preparations began in 2003

The process towards a new customs law has been under way for more than twenty years. Work began in 2003 with technical assistance from the Netherlands. An initial draft was completed in 2004 and submitted to stakeholders, after which their comments were incorporated.

At the time, that draft was not substantively considered by De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament) and was returned to the Minister of Finance. The work subsequently came to a standstill for a long period.

Douanebond invited again on October 21

On Monday, the CvR also worked on a list of experts, institutions and other stakeholders who will be heard during the follow-up process. Their input is intended to support the committee in assessing the draft legislation and preparing for parliamentary consideration.

During the closing meeting, the committee spoke with the Douanebond, chaired by Joyce de Vlugt. The union’s work and procedures at the port were discussed. The board has been invited to address the proposed customs law in substance on Wednesday, October 21.

The CvR is preparing a total of seven draft laws relating to the tax system. In addition to the General Customs Act 2026, these are the General Tax Act, the Collection Act, the Costs Act for Tax Collection, the Belastingdienst Suriname Act, the Collection Act General Tax Act and the Tax Cases Judiciary Act.

All committee members attended the meetings: chair Rabindre Parmessar, Asiskumar Gajadien, Rossellie Cotino, Jennifer Vreedzaam, Jeffrey Lau and Ronny Asabina. Parliamentarian Annie Sadi attended the meeting as an observer.