Customs put into effect as of yesterday the new lower tariffs on personal computers and related products. The changes were originally approved under Law 345-98 adopted last August, but did not take effect until now under General Norm 1-99. Under the measure, personal computers imported into the DR have had their tariffs dropped to 1.5% (from 30% and 10%) and are no longer subject to the Transfer Tax on Industrialized Goods and Services (ITBIS). Imports of computer components, replacement parts, optical and magnetic readers, videophones, programs and other accessories (such as printer cartridges) have had their tariffs dropped from 30% to 10%. Their imports are also exempted from ITBIS. The Directorate-General for Internal Revenue (DGII) says that these changes will mean a loss of RD$60 million per year in tax and tariff revenue.
