VI. Trade Regulations and Standards

-Tariffs and Import Taxes

Import tariffs range between zero and 100 percent.  According to
Ministry of Trade and Industry officials, average import duties are
between 30 and 40 percent.  The Surinamese government is drafting new
tariff regime legislation which calls for a three-tiered structure.  The
new more liberal and more transparent proposal should facilitate exports
to Suriname.

Suriname plans to become a full member of the Caribbean Common Market,
Caricom, in the summer of 1994.  It has agreed to adopt CARICOM's
proposed common external tariff regime sometime after accession.

-Customs Valuation

In March 1994, the government changed the exchange rate at which
imports are valued for customs purposes from 1.8 Surinamese guilders
(SF) per dollar to 55 SF per dollar.  Because the implicit rate that is used
in selling the products (the nominally illegal parallel market exchange
rate) is approximately 200 SF per dollar, real tariff rates are one-quarter
nominal customs duties rates.  The government says it plans to readjust
customs valuations to the "unified exchange rate" -- as yet
undetermined officially, but generally believed to be the legal market
rate (now SF 180:USD 1) -- beginning July 1, 1994.  This would make the
nominal and real tariff rates nearly equal.

-Import Licenses

Import licenses are required for all imports.  The local importer secures
the necessary import license(s) from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Waiting time varies widely and approvals and denials follow no
discernable logical pattern.  The government is attempting to liberalize
the process.  In 1992, a typical importer needed eleven separate licenses,
in 1994, he or she needs only seven.  Included in the government's new
draft investment code and new draft tariff regime is the establishment of
a "one stop shop" for licenses and permits.

-Export Controls

Suriname has a number of export controls, designed primarily to channel
export earnings of certain sectors, notably rice, through the
government.  These controls are being loosened and their elimination is
part of the government's economic structural adjustment plan.

-Temporary Entry

Temporary entry is not generally applicable in Suriname.  With the
exception of reexport of goods to eastern Guyana, and illegal smuggling
to French Guiana, Suriname is not a distribution point for shipping or air
cargo.  Nonetheless, temporary entry under bond can be arranged.

-Prohibited Imports

An obsolete trade law implemented during the military regime in the
1980's prohibits imports of hundreds of goods, including illicit narcotics,
wooden furniture, meat, livestock, shellfish, sugar, coffee, and peanut
butter.  These prohibitions can be overcome with the issuance of a
special import license.  While in theory every importer is entitled to
apply for such a license, in practice those with influence and/or
connections receive these special licenses.  Nonetheless, Surinamese
officials claim that licenses to import "prohibited" goods are awarded
regularly.

-Free Trade Zones

There are currently no free trade zones in Suriname.  Government
officials have been exploring the idea since early 1993, but as yet no
formal proposals have come forth.

-Special Import Provisions

None.

-Membership in Free Trade Arrangements

Suriname plans to become a full member of CARICOM, including  the
nascent customs union, in summer of 1994.  Suriname has also been
actively pursuing economic arrangements with Colombia and Venezuela.