Government Announces Tax Relief on School Supplies for Back-to-School Season

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – June 25, 2025 – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce a temporary tax relief measure on school supplies, effective from July 1 to September 30, 2025. During this three-month period, essential educational items will be exempt from Import Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Customs Service Charge (CSC), providing significant savings for families preparing for the new academic year.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting families and investing in education, stating: “Education is the foundation of our nation’s future and we recognize the financial challenges many parents face when preparing their children for school. By removing these taxes on essential supplies, we are taking concrete steps to make education more accessible while providing meaningful relief to households across our Federation.”

The tax concession applies to a wide range of school necessities including fabrics for uniforms, textbooks, stationery, calculators and other learning materials. Both commercial importers and individual parents will benefit from this initiative, ensuring widespread access to more affordable school supplies.

The Customs and Excise Department stands ready to assist with implementation of this program. For complete details on eligible items or clarification on the application process, the public is encouraged to contact the department directly at 1 (869) 466-7227 or visit their official website at https://skncustoms.com.

This annual tax relief initiative continues to demonstrate the government’s dedication to supporting families and prioritizing education. By reducing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses, the measure aims to ensure all students have access to the tools they need for academic success while stimulating local economic activity during this important seasonal period.

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