House approves conch export levy changes

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (May 12), approved the Conch Export Levy (Amendment) Act, 2026, granting the minister of agriculture, fisheries and mining greater discretionary authority to adjust export levy payment structures. 

Minister Floyd Green piloted the bill, which will provide increased flexibility and relief for stakeholders in the conch industry.

The legislation seeks to modernise the conch levy payment structure by moving away from the requirement for exporters to pay the duty before shipping their goods, instead offering alternative methods for making payments.

“As it is now, the requirement by law is that before you ship, which literally means before you collect, you are called upon to pay. As you can understand, especially with what we have been seeing with the industry over the last few years and with the weather-related events, that has posed some challenges,” Green said. 

The 2026 Amendment empowers the minister, by order subject to affirmative resolution of the House of Representatives, to prescribe the period within which an exporter must pay the conch levy and determine whether it should be paid in full or instalments.

Additionally, the minister will have the authority to waive, reduce, or remit the levy on conch under specified circumstances, and to amend the constitution of the board of management of the Fisheries Management and Development Fund.

“Among the amendments reflected in the bill is the fact that the minister will have the discretion to make an order, again subject to affirmative resolution of this House, to extend the specified period for the payment of the levy on conch payable by the exporter up to a maximum period of 12 months following the granting of an export health certificate and export licence for consignment of conch,” Green explained. 

He said that the rationale for the amendment is to ensure it can be applied in the event of disruptions to the conch-fishing season, whether caused by severe weather conditions or external trade factors.

Additionally, any waiver, reduction, or remission of the conch levy will only be applied if deemed justifiable, based on recommendations from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the board of the Fisheries Management and Development Fund, following an evaluation of trade conditions, economic viability, and the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

Beyond financial relief, the bill also introduces reforms to the governance of the Fisheries Management and Development Fund.

The board of management will be expanded to nine members, comprising six ex officio members and three industry representatives.

Green emphasised that the changes to the board’s composition are intended to “eliminate any possible or perceived conflict of interest”, ensuring that the fund is managed with the highest standards of integrity.