MSME Enhancement Programme

The MSME ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME (MEP), seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Belize’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), through the waiver of Customs Import Duty, for a list of packaging and labeling materials for eligible MSMEs.

NOTE: Other taxes such as General Sales Tax, and Environmental Tax remain applicable.

Program Enrollment Request Form

What Does the List Include?

The list of packaging and labeling materials includes items such as, but not limited to, adhesives, plates, sheets, film, foil, sacks, bags, carboys, bottles, flasks, lids, caps, packing cases, boxes, packaging containers, labels, tanks, casks, crates, pouches, paper wrapping, drums, and cans.

Please consult the Small Business Development Center (SBDCBelize), a unit of BELTRAIDE, for guidance and complete details on the eligible items, inclusive of the associated Customs HS Codes. Note that certain goods may require permits or licenses prior to importation [1].

[1] EXAMPLES: BAHA Permit, Department of Environment Permit, etc.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply, if your registered business falls within any of the following tiers of enterprises AND provide the required documents.

Micro Enterprise

Employees < 10

Annual Sales < $200,000

Total Assets < $200,000

Small Enterprise

Employees 10–49

Annual Sales $200,000–$6 million

Total Assets $200,000–$6 million

Medium Enterprise

Employees 50–300

Annual Sales $6 million–$30 million

Total Assets $6 million–$30 million

Application Process

Gather all the required documents, and set an appointment with SBDCBelize.

SBDCBelize vets application.

If approved, SBDCBelize informs both the applicant and the Belize Customs and Excise Department.

Documents Required

1. An original or certified copy of the Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Incorporation from the Belize Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry.

2. A valid Belize Social Security Card or Passport of the applicant.

3. Proof of registration as an employer or self-employed person with the Belize Social Security Board.

4. Official letter from the General Sales Tax (GST) Department, indicating registered Importer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN).

5. A shortlist of intended packaging and/or labeling materials, with average quantity estimates by month, for the business operation.

Accessing Benefits

Obtain an invoice for the goods to be imported.

Engage a registered Customs Broker in Belize to import the goods. Note that certain goods may require permits or licenses prior to importation.

Customs Broker contacts SBDCBelize to clear the goods.

Program Enrollment Request Form