The Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo says the Customs and Excise Division’s classification ruling on certain mild-hybrid vehicles does not remove or alter existing tax relief available to qualifying vehicles.
The statement comes amid concerns raised in the media and on social media following the issuance of General Order No. 24 of 2026 on July 22nd, which addressed the classification of certain mild-hybrid vehicles and their tax treatment.
The Minister said meetings were held with the Trinidad and Tobago Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA) on July 27th and July 30th to discuss concerns raised by its members.
Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Customs and Excise Division, including the Comptroller of Customs and Excise and the Treasury Solicitor, took part in the discussions.
Following a review of the applicable provisions, the Minister said he was satisfied that the classification ruling was correct and consistent with the classification rules applied by the World Customs Organization.
“Having considered the matter, I am satisfied that the Classification Ruling contained in General Order No. 24 of 2026 is correct and consistent with the classification rules applied by the World Customs Organization.
The important point for dealers and members of the public is that Legal Notice No. 247 of 2024 remains in force. Any new or used private hybrid vehicle that satisfies the criteria set out in the Legal Notice will continue to benefit from the existing customs duty relief. The Classification Ruling does not remove or alter the relief available to qualifying vehicles.
At no time did the Customs and Excise Division, or any other arm of the Ministry of Finance, advise that Legal Notice No. 247 of 2024 had been superseded or was no longer applicable”
He, however, criticised what he described as the publication of unverified conclusions by some reporters and social media commentators, saying it created unnecessary concern among dealers, consumers and the wider public.
““It is regrettable that some reporters and social media commentators rushed to publish conclusions without first establishing the relevant facts. Unverified assumptions were presented as settled fact, creating unnecessary anxiety among dealers, consumers and the wider public. The media has a vital role in our democracy and every right to scrutinise the decisions of public authorities. That right, however, carries an equally important responsibility to be accurate, fair and properly informed. Responsible reporting requires the applicable law to be examined, information to be independently verified and the relevant authorities to be afforded a reasonable opportunity to provide clarification before publication.”
Minister Tancoo reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with stakeholders, highlighting the importance of transparency, open dialogue and collaboration on matters of public interest.