Extend the Duty Free Date of October 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018

The October 31st, 2017 deadline is simply not enough time. The majority of residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, require time to assess and understand what is needed to rebuild their homes. They need to allocate funds, find suppliers, and have items shipped to the island. All arriving on island by the deadline of October 31st, 2107. This after a category 5 hurricane followed by another hurricane 2 weeks later. This is simply not enough time.

We are requesting the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands extend the date to March 31st, 2018.

Instead of the following:
Message from the Customs Management Team;

The general Public is hereby advised, that all importations made under the Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2017, which expires on the 31st of October 2017, does not require the prior written approval of the Collector of Customs. Individuals are not required to request these exemptions.
The Department has created a specific Customs Processing Code 494, which when entered into the system will automatically calculate the Customs Duty and the Customs Processing Fee at 0%. This code has been provided to all Brokers. As a reminder all importations require the assistance of a broker to make a declaration on behalf of the Importer. The exception is for importations made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, and importations which include only three commodities, in which case you may visit our Providenciales office to utilize the front terminal, and limited assistance will be provided by an officer.