Government Says New Trade License Act Will Not Apply for 2026 Licensing Year

The Government of Belize is advising the public, particularly members of the business community, that the Trade License Act, No. 19 of 2024, has not yet come into force and will not apply for the 2026 trade licensing year.  Under the new Act, a revised trade licensing regime is intended to be introduced in urban areas and, for the first time, in rural communities. However, officials say the law cannot yet be implemented as required parliamentary procedures have not been fully completed.  As a result, only businesses operating in towns and cities across Belize are currently eligible for assessment and payment of a trade license fee.  Businesses operating in rural areas, including Caye Caulker, are advised that no trade license fee is payable at this time. Authorities further explained that any application fees already paid by rural businesses in anticipation of the new law will remain credited to those applicants until the legislation comes into effect.  Government officials emphasized that, until further notice, the Trade License Act, Chapter 66 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020, remains the governing law for trade licensing nationwide.  Affected business owners, particularly in rural communities, are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Rural Transformation for additional information. Inquiries can be made by telephone at 670-2643 or via email at clifford.king@mrt.gov.bz.  Officials say further guidance will be issued once the new Trade License Act is formally brought into force.