Customs Tariff Amendment Act 2022

What this bill does

This bill updates Bermuda's customs duty rules and creates a temporary duty-free program for hospital supplies. It allows the Bermuda Hospitals Board to import certain medical operating supplies without paying customs duties from April 2022 through August 2023.

If passed (voted YES)

• The Bermuda Hospitals Board can import consumable medical supplies (like surgical equipment and operating room materials) without paying import duties
• This duty-free benefit only applies to supplies used in BHB hospitals and must be certified by their chief financial officer
• Customs officers can inspect these duty-free imports to ensure they're being used properly

If rejected (voted NO)

• The Bermuda Hospitals Board would continue paying regular customs duties on all medical supplies they import
• No temporary cost savings would be available for hospital operating supplies
• The updated customs duty schedule would not take effect

Who it affects

This primarily affects the Bermuda Hospitals Board and patients who use BHB services, as any cost savings could potentially help hospital operations. Customs officers will also need to process the new duty-free category.