Commercial complex building materials exempted from customs fees

AMMAN — The Cabinet on Thursday exempted building materials and equipment used in construction projects of commercial complexes from customs fees and lowered the sales tax to 0 per cent.

Based on the recommendations of the Economic Development Committee that considered previous studies conducted by the Ministry of Investment, the decision aims to develop underprivileged regions and create a stimulating investment environment in the governorates.

To receive the exemption, the area of the project in the governorates must not be less than 10,000 square metres, while no less than 30,000 square metres in Amman, provided that the project includes places of entertainment and recreation, such as a cinema.

The decision excluded Qasabat Amman District, as well as Qasabat Zarqa and Qasabat Irbid districts.

It was also stipulated that the exemption shall be implemented in three stages: Construction, finishing, equipment and furnishing, over only five years so that the construction of the complex to be completed during this period.

The Council of Ministers assigned the Ministry of Investment to set the mechanism of the conditions of the exemption, which only applies to new projects, not the existing projects or those needing finishing.