Special Economic Zones

Catalysts for Growth and Innovation

1. Special Economic Zones and Entities

About the New Special Economic Zones

The Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, 2022, was partially proclaimed on 31 January 2022, to allow for the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA); the appointment of the Board for the Authority; and the staffing and setting up of the SEZA. The full proclamation of the SEZ Act was made on 5 July 2024, which repeals the Free Zones Act, to bring into effect the SEZ Regulations, 2023, and allows for any public, private or public-private partnership to the SEZA for specific licences in which to function in the new regime.



2. About the Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority

The Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) will provide the necessary supervision and regulation of SEZs, and will be the critical part of the overarching governance of the new SEZ regime whose function are to review, assess and determine applications for Operator Licences, Special Economic Zone Enterprise Licence and Singe Zone Enterprise Licences.



3. Benefits and Eligibility Criteria for SEZ Entities

Schedules 1, 2 and 4 specify the benefits and eligibility criteria for Operators, SEZ Enterprises and Single Zone Enterprises. Where applicable, the benefits for Operators and SEZ Enterprises/Single Zone Enterprises can result in corporation tax at the rate of 15%, exemption from property tax, exemption on approved import duties and zero-rating of VAT on approved capital goods and other articles.



4. Application Forms and Instructions

Operator

An Operator refers to a person or entity holding a valid Operator Licence granted by the SEZ Authority to manage a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Operators are responsible for overseeing the zone, ensuring compliance with the Act, and facilitating the infrastructure and services required to run the zone.


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Special Economic Zone Enterprise

An SEZ Enterprise is any enterprise that has been granted a SEZ Enterprise Licence by SEZA. These enterprises are authorized to carry out business activities within a designated SEZ. Designated SEZ are managed by Operators and these enterprises benefit from incentives and regulations tailored to enhance its operations in the SEZ.


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Submission of Application

Completed Application Forms and all supporting documents can be submitted via:

E-mail: applications@seza.gov.tt

OR


Mail/Walk-in:

Chief Executive Officer – Special Economic Zones Authority
Trinidad and Tobago Special Economic Zones Authority
Level 3, Albion Plaza Energy Centre
22-24 Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain, Trinidad



5. Other Information

Special Economic Zones Act, 2022

The SEZ Act, 2022, provides for the designation, development, operation and management of Special Economic Zones; the establishment of the Special Economic Zones Authority; the repeal of the Free Zones Act, Chap. 81:07; the regulation of Special Economic Zones and matters related thereto.


Application Procedures for SEZ entities (SEZ Regulations - Legal Notice No. 370 of 2023)

The SEZ Regulations outline the requirements, processes and procedures regarding the designation of SEZs; the licensing for Operators, Special Economic Zone Enterprises and Single Zone Enterprises; the application of the Customs Act; dispute resolution; and various guidelines and fees.


Partial Proclamation of the SEZ Act (Legal Notice No. 16 of 2022)

Parts I–V of the SEZ Act were proclaimed to enable the creation of the Board of the SEZ Authority and the staffing and setting up of the SEZ Authority.


Full proclamation of the SEZ Act (Legal Notice No. 121 of 2024)

Parts VI-XII of the SEZ Act provide for the designation of Special Economic Zones; licensing provisions for Operators, Special Economic Zone Enterprises and Single Zone Enterprises; support measures and benefits; the establishment of an Inspection programme; various offences and penalties; establishment and administration of public and private registers; and miscellaneous matters.


Extension of time for benefits granted to Approved Enterprises (Legal Notice No. 122 of 2024)

The benefits afforded to Approved Enterprises under the Free Zones Act will be extended until the 31 December 2024


For further information and to schedule a consultation, please contact the SEZA at:
Telephone: +1-868-226-5593
E-mail: info@seza.gov.tt