Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the British Virgin Islands will be educated on the importance of business compliance when the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs hits the road to conduct a series of trade inspections. Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher stated, “The goal of this campaign is to educate the business community, and especially MSMEs on the importance of being compliant and raise awareness on the trade licencing process.”

Mrs. Christopher added, “We are encouraging businesses to ensure that their trade licences accurately reflect the goods and services being provided, and are in good standing.” 

CAP 200 Subsection 10 states: “A Trade Inspector may, after the issue of a licence, inspect any building or premises during normal working hours to verify that the business, profession or trade being carried on at such building or premises complies with the terms and conditions of the licence”.

The “Spot-And-Check” inspections begin on October 31 where trade inspectors will conduct routine inspections of MSMEs. .

Mrs. Christopher explained, “We are encouraging small business owners to have their valid trade licence appropriately displayed and to cooperate with trade inspectors, when the checks are conducted. We also encourage them to ensure that the goods and services being offered, are representative of a valid trade licence on display, as failure to do so will result in immediate penalties for the business.”

She further explained that while the department is very supportive of the small business community and entrepreneurs, it is important that the businesses understand and comply with the law so that their enterprises can continue to thrive and even expand where feasible.

For more information on the inspections, telephone the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs at telephone 284-468-2008.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.