SURINAME
Reported in 2018, last reported in 2025
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Indicator User identity requirement
User identity requirement for SIM registration
It is reported that Suriname imposes an identity requirement for SIM registration. Anyone wanting to purchase a SIM card has to provide their national ID card or a passport in the case of foreigners, to activate a new prepaid SIM card.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230123124352/https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Digital-Identity-Access-to-Mobile-Services-and-Proof-of-Identity-2021_SPREADs.pdf
- https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Access-to-Mobile-Services-and-Proof-of-Identity.pdf
SURINAME
Since March 2007
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Self-certification for product safety
Low Power Equipment Decree (Besluit Laag Vermogen Apparatuur 2007)
According to Arts. 2-4 of the Low Power Equipment Decree, the Telecommunications Authority of Suriname (TAS) is responsible for issuing permits to have, construct, use, exploit and transmit electronic equipment. However, the Conformity Assessment Systems in the Republic of Suriname recognise both European (EU) and American (FCC) Standards, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004, to facilitate easy market access. It is reported that the homologation procedure in Suriname requires neither local laboratory testing nor contact with a local representative, and no additional requirements concerning product labelling have been established by law.
According to the Directive for the certification of radio devices, the following reports must be submitted to proceed with the application for a license to the TAS (Telecommunication Authority of Suriname): RF test report and EMC test.
According to the Directive for the certification of radio devices, the following reports must be submitted to proceed with the application for a license to the TAS (Telecommunication Authority of Suriname): RF test report and EMC test.
Coverage Electronic products
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20201029160005/https://www.tas.sr/media/1098/sbno29.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230327190702/https://ib-lenhardt.com/type-approval/suriname
- https://web.archive.org/web/20200923165633/https://www.certvalue.com/iso-certification-in-suriname/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210518232753/https://www.tas.sr/media/1167/procedure-type-approval-eng.pdf
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SURINAME
Since March 2021
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Restrictions for imports and exports
Effective from 1 March 2021, the Foreign Exchange Commission required exporters to repatriate 100% of their export proceeds to Suriname within 60 days of export. Foreign buyers were therefore required to make payment directly into an account held with a Surinamese foreign-exchange bank. Exporters and foreign-exchange offices were also required to convert at least 30% of their foreign-currency income into Surinamese dollars (SRD). In addition, payments for imports could be made only through Surinamese foreign-exchange banks. These requirements restricted the ability of exporters and importers to retain export proceeds abroad or settle international trade transactions through foreign bank accounts.
Coverage Imports and exports
Sources
- https://gov.sr/rust-en-stabiliteit-belangrijk-voor-deviezencommissie/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260204194730/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/suriname/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230926102629/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-investment-climate-statements/suriname/#report-toc__section-3
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SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Lack of de minimis threshold
Suriname does not implement any de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Since November 2024
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Datasur Terms and Conditions for .sr Domains, Hosting & E-mail
From November 2024, the updated Datasur Terms and Conditions for .sr Domains, Hosting & E-mail have required non-resident domain applicants to maintain a local address in Suriname. Under Art. 2(1), domain-name applications may be submitted by or on behalf of persons domiciled or resident anywhere in the world. However, Art. 3(4) requires applicants who are not resident or domiciled in Suriname to designate an address in Suriname for the service of written documents and legal summons. The requirement applies to both existing and future domain names.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Since September 2017
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Electronic Legal Transactions Act 2017 (Wet Elektronisch Rechtsverkeer 2017)
The Electronic Legal Transactions Act 2017 provides a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Since March 2007
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Functional/accounting separation for operators with significant market power
Lack of mandatory functional separation for dominant network operators
It is reported that Suriname does not mandate functional separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market. However, operators with SMP are obligated to maintain accounting separation under Art. 18 of the Telecommunications Act (Interconnection Decree No. 25).
Coverage Telecommunications sector
SURINAME
Since April 1997
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Signature of the WTO Telecom Reference Paper
WTO Telecom Reference Paper
Suriname has appended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Telecom Reference Paper to its schedule of commitments.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
SURINAME
Reported in 2013, last reported in 2025
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Lack of transparency in public procurement
Although the Government enacted a Public Procurement Act in 2024 to increase transparency and efficiency in public tendering, Suriname has reportedly lacked transparency in its public procurement processes.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Presence of an independent telecom authority
Lack of an independent telecom authority
It is reported that the Telecommunication Authority of Suriname (TAS), the executive authority responsible for the supervision and administration of services in the telecommunications sector, is not entirely independent of the government in its decision-making. Yet, according to Art. 2 of the Decision Institution TAS 1998, its director is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister. Pursuant to Art. 3, the TAS is charged with the preparation, implementation, and control of the tasks assigned to the Minister on telecommunication as an independent authority in the decision-making process.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Signatory of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Suriname is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Since June 2002
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Investment Law 2001 (Investeringswet 2001)
Suriname does not implement any limits on foreign investment.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Reported in 2017, last reported in 2025
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Screening of investment and acquisitions
Screening of investment
It is reported that government ministries screen inbound foreign investments in the sectors they oversee. Special commissions are responsible for reviewing all required legal and financial documents. While screening criteria vary, they are designed to assess whether proposed investments comply with local laws. However, the screening process is neither public nor transparent, which may create a barrier to investment. Additionally, the Department of International Business within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires prospective investors to complete an intake form. This form allows the department's appraisal committee to conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the foreign direct investment aligns with the government’s development objectives.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260204194730/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/suriname/
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s391_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240714014731/https://sita.sr/invest/how-to-invest/#fb0=19
- https://www.state.gov/reports/2017-investment-climate-statements/suriname/
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SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the application process for patents
Lack of legal framework for the application process for patents
It is reported that the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Suriname is working to introduce patent grants and protection in the country. Therefore, it is currently not possible to register a patent in Suriname.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250122065535/https://www.kashishworld.com/ip-rights-in-south-america/Suriname
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260204194730/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/suriname/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251007055922/https://gov.sr/ministeries/ministerie-van-economische-zaken-ondernemerschap-technologische-innovatie/bureau-intellectuele-eigendom-bie/
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SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Indicator Practical or legal restrictions related to the enforcement of patents
Lack of legal framework for the enforcement of patents
It is reported that the Bureau for Intellectual Property of Suriname is working to introduce patent grants and protection. As a result, it is currently not possible to obtain patent protection in Suriname.
Coverage Horizontal
