The Trinidad and Tobago Government has announced plans to double the penalty under Section 212 of the Customs Act from $125,000 to $250,000 as part of efforts to strengthen customs compliance.
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the proposed increase during his presentation of the 2027 National Budget in Parliament.
Tancoo said the measure is intended to deter false customs declarations and encourage greater compliance with existing customs legislation.
The proposed adjustment represents a 100 per cent increase in the current penalty, significantly raising the potential financial consequences for offences covered by the relevant provision.
The Minister identified January 1, 2027, as the intended implementation date.
The announcement forms part of a wider package of measures targeting revenue administration, tax compliance and customs enforcement.