Press Release Distribution of Goods & Prices Act Regulations

The Government of Anguilla has taken steps to guard against price gouging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Distribution of Goods and Prices Act (Maximum Price Order) Regulations 2020 came into force on 9 April 2020 and will expire 9 July 2020. The Order was made by the powers vested in the Hon. Premier and Minister responsible for Trade and Industry, Mr. Victor F. Banks.

The Maximum Price Order contains two parts referred to as Part A and Part B. Part A states where goods listed in Part B are sold by retail, the maximum price shall be the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value plus a mark-up of 40%. Similarly, goods listed in Part B sold by wholesale, the maximum price shall be the CIF value plus a mark-up of 20%. Part B sub-divides the list of price-controlled goods into two categories; Cleaning Supplies and Food Items. Cleaning Supplies include the following – hand sanitizers, hand soaps, detergents, disinfectants, toilet paper, paper towel and napkins, pampers, personal protective equipment PPE (footgear, headgear, masks and HAZMAT suits), gloves, garbage bags as well as rubbing alcohol, medication (vitamins) and prescribed medications for cold & flu and painkillers. Food items include rice, sugar, flour, chicken, fish, cereals, milk, food supplements for the elderly and children, fresh or chilled vegetables and fruits, canned vegetables and fruits, water and baby food.

These regulations will be placed in stores by Tuesday April 14 2020. Provision has been made within The Order that before the expiry of the Regulations, the Minister may by notice published in the Gazette, extend the time for which these Regulations are scheduled to expire.