EXPORTING
Import Restrictions: In June, 1993 Suriname abolished import licensing
requirements except for "those goods which are controlled for policy
reasons". Information is not currently available regarding which specific
goods are subject to licensing.
Import Duties: Suriname uses a single-column schedule of import duties.
Duty rates typically range from 20 to 35 percent and are applied in an ad
valorem fashion. A surtax of 1.5 percent is applied to imports of all goods.
A licensing fee of 1.5 percent is also levied on imports requiring general
import licenses.
The National Development Incentives program offers duty-free imports
of various goods. Items given duty-free entry are changed periodically.
Consequently, updated lists can be obtained from the U.S. Department of
Commerce.
Documentation: Shipments to Suriname require two copies of the commercial
invoice and a bill of lading (or air waybill). A certificate of origin,
certified by the Chamber of Commerce may be required for shipments of fruit,
vegetables and fresh and salty meats. At least two copies of a pro forma
invoice must accompany import license applications. Items arriving in Suriname
may remain in customs for five days without charge. Imports must be declared
for import storage, or re-export by the sixth day.
COMMERCIAL POLICIES
Exchange Controls: The October, 1992 auction of Dutch balance of payments
support determined a new official exchange rate of 18 Surinamese Guilders
per 1 US dollar, a more than 90 percent devaluation. With few exceptions,
the new rate will be applied to the entire Surinamese economy. It was also
announced at the auction that the new rate would be valid for the purchase
of imports, sale of exports, payment by a Surinamese resident to a non-resident
for services rendered, the exchange of profits, proceeds, and capital gains,
and private capital transactions.
Free-Trade Zones: There are no free-trade zones in Suriname.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Suriname does not have a foreign investment code. As such, investment
projects are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Investment incentives include
authority to negotiate ad hoc tax holiday which can vary with the level
and size of the investment project. In addition, there is assistance with
site location, provision of low-cost or no-cost factory shells, and other
forms of assistance to the investor.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Suriname applies Netherlands law regarding patent and trademark protection,
although these laws are not always strictly enforced.
REGULATORY AGENCIES
* Centrum INDEX processes applications for foreign investment projects.
* The Ministry of Economic affairs grants import licenses.
USEFUL CONTACTS
U.S. Embassy in Suriname Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 P.O. Box 1821 Paramarobo
Telephone: (597) 72900
Embassy of Suriname in the United States 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008 Telephone: (202) 244-7488
