Import Duties - 1932

Over the years the range of goods to attract a duty increased to meet the needs of the island's expenditure and the present preventive system evolved with the introduction of Tariff duties in 1932. The change from free trade to protectionism occurred at this time to protect the UK and British Empire from competition such as cheap labour. The Import Duties (Jersey) Law, 1932, was introduced following the United Kingdom Law of the same year. The rate of duty levied on all imports was 10% ad valorem. During 1932 it was agreed that the countries of the Empire be exempted from this charge. Between l932 - 1973 different rates of duties were introduced for various items, some rates being as much as 60%.