Besides its fiscal duties, Douane Caribisch Nederland also has the duty of protecting society against goods that can threaten the safety and health of people, animals, and flora. Examples are the import of uncertified meat products, forbidden ‘medication’, weapons, or drugs. These are the non-fiscal duties of Customs.
Customs frequently works with other departments to perform this duty. For example, Customs will hold goods at the border if it is not completely clear that the relevant certifying body of Caribbean Netherlands accepts their import.
International agreements
This duty may have an international or interregional background. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES convention) is an example of an international agreement to which the Netherlands and Caribbean Netherlands are parties.
The provisions that set out the ban or limitations concerning the import, export, and transit of these goods have been set out in a variety of individual laws.
All laws jointly
The whole of these laws is referred to as the SHEE provisions. SHEE stands for:
- S = Safety
- H = Health
- E = Economy
- E= Environment
Ongoing and temporary provisions
Most SHEE provisions are ongoing and structural. However, a SHEE provision may also be temporary. For example, in case of an epidemic that can spread through certain goods. If such a situation occurs, you will be informed about the temporary measures in the Current Affairs section.