Price Control F.A.Q's

1. Question: Are all goods subjected to Price Control?

Answer: No. Only the goods named under the Distribution and Price of Goods Act (CAP. 138).

2. Question: Can I purchase goods off a supermarket’s shelf and add a markup of 15% for resale?

Answer: No. The items in the supermarket already include a markup. An additional markup would increase the cost above the maximum selling price. You should consider purchasing directly from the wholesalers.

3. Question: Are all goods Zero-Rated?

Answer: No. The Zero-Rated List contains 33 goods, including Chicken (Fresh, Chilled, Frozen), Rice, Egg Butter, etc. This list can be obtained from the division.

4. Question: What is the ABST?

Answer: The ABST is a value-added tax imposed on the selling price (cost price + markup) of goods and services.

5. Question: What are some of the goods that attract the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST)?

Answer: Toothpaste, Pasta, Soaps, Cereals (Cornflakes, etc.) Tuna.

6. Question: What is the role of the Price Control Inspectors?

Answer: To ensure the basic and essential goods named under the Distribution and Price of Goods Act (CAP. 138) are marked with their selling prices clearly and legibly when displayed for sale, and their wholesale and retail prices do not exceed the maximum selling price.

7. Question: Why would one particular good carry various selling prices in the shops?

Answer: In Antigua and Barbuda, there is no fixed pricing system but a fixed percentage markup. Factors such as freight, inland transportation cost, place of origin, quantity, etc., contribute to the final cost of the good, which is why there may be differences in the prices of goods.

8. Question: Why are items like car parts, building materials, and tools not price-controlled?

Answer: Price controls are generally imposed on consumer staples. However, the essential items named under the Distribution and Price of Goods Act (CAP. 138) are primarily food items and other day-to-day consumer goods such as toothpaste, laundry detergent, and sanitary napkins.

9. Question: Do the Price Control Inspectors visit the large supermarkets for routine checks?

Answer: Yes. Once the establishment is registered with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and is selling price-controlled items they are subject to be checked by the Division. These include both large and small supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies.

10. Question: Why are certain fruit prices rising during the winter season?

Answer: Due to climate changes, some fruit prices fluctuate. These fruits include apples, grapes, strawberries, cherries and kiwi.