VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS:

Customs:  The Bahamian government raises approximately 60 percent of
its total revenue from import tariffs, which, as a result, tend to be
high.  Customs duties are calculated on both the
cost/insurance/freight (c.i.f.) and freight on board (f.o.b.) value of
goods imported.  The basic ad valorem tariff for imported goods is 35
percent.  A long list of items have separate tariff rates.  Among these
are:

-- clothing:  25 percent
-- tobacco:  160 percent
-- cigarettes:  300 percent plus $1.50 per 100
-- bottled water:  100 percent
-- pool tables:  100 percent
-- room air conditioners:  55 percent
-- automobiles:  45 to 65 percent, based on the type of vehicle
-- personal computers:  25 percent
-- business computers:  50 percent
-- stereo units:  32.5 percent plus $5 per unit
-- satellite dishes and accessories:  65 percent
-- video tapes:  65 percent
-- cheese:  10 percent
-- pasta:  10 percent

All these rates, and others, are subject to change.  In 1993, for example,
the Bahamian government lifted customs duties on cooking oil, cocoa
powder, and personal hygiene items for women, while reducing other
duties.  In 1994, the Goverment raised some customs duties and imposed
new tariffs on pork products.  Bahamians shopping in Florida (and
elsewhere abroad) are permitted to import $300 worth of goods duty
free per trip twice a year ($150 for persons under 12 years of age.)  In
addition, The Bahamas charges a host of "stamp taxes" on most imports
above and beyond the import duties.

These stamp taxes vary depending upon the item in question, and apply
even to many items otherwise duty free.  For example, in 1992, the
Bahamian government lifted customs duties on a list of items (including
china, crystal, fine jewelry, leather goods, crocheted linens and
tablecloths, liquor, wines, perfume and cologne, photographic
equipment and accessories, sweaters, and watches) which could be sold
to tourists as "duty-free," but retained variable stamp taxes on these
items.

Entry forms are required by Bahamian Customs for goods coming by
sea, air or post.  A genuine invoice (original or carbon copy) is
required.  The Customs Department only honors discounts of up to
three percent (3%) given by U.S. exporters.

Certain goods may be imported conditionally on a temporary basis
against a security bond or a deposit which is refundable on their re-
exportation.  These include fine jewelry, goods for business meetings
or conventions, travelling salesman samples, automobile or motorcycles,
photographic and cinematographic equipment, and equipment or tool
for repair work.

The Bahamas charges an export stamp tax of 4 percent on most exports
from the country.

Copies of current import regulations may be obtained from:
Government Publications Office, Parliament Square, P.O. Box N-7147,
Nassau, Bahamas, tel: (809) 322-2410.

Membership In Free Trade Arrangements:  The Bahamas is a beneficiary
of the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), Canada's CARIBCAN
program, and the European Union's Lome IV Agreement.  Although The
Bahamas participates in the political aspects of the Caribbean
community (CARICOM), it has not entered any joint economic initiatives
with other Caribbean states