BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 4, 2011 (Customs PRO) - The Customs and Excise Department is pleased to present the approved list of medications and other supplies for the treatment of Chronic Illnesses that have been recommended as VAT Exempted Supplies by the Chief Medical Officer under Section 34 of the Value Added Tax Act, 2010.

 
The list, found as an appendage to this statement and on the Customs Website (skncustoms.com), outlines the various strengths of the approved brands of medications that will attract no VAT charges upon importation into the Federation. The list consists of elixirs, tablets, capsules, injection and nebulizing solutions, anti-coagulants and coagulants that have been approved to assist in the treatment of Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardio-vascular Disease and Asthma.
 

The list also includes diagnostic agents such as testing strips for the monitoring of Glucose/Protein/Ketone in urine and glucose in urine and blood.
 

Under the relevant customs procedure codes (CPC) the importation of these items would continue to attract the relevant levels of Customs Duties charged upon their importation. Duties charged on medical supplies range for zero to 10% of customs value.
 

The CPC for goods entered for use in health purposes (specifically chronic diseases) is C407.