TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Since July 2001, as amended in June 2004
Since August 2006, last amended in 2009
Since August 2006, last amended in 2009
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Indicator Passive infrastructure sharing obligation
Telecommunications Act
Telecommunications (Access to Facilities) Regulations
Telecommunications (Access to Facilities) Regulations
There is an obligation for passive infrastructure sharing in Trinidad and Tobago to deliver telecom services to end users. It is practised in both the mobile and fixed sectors based on commercial agreements. Passive sharing of telecom infrastructure is mandated under Art. 26.1 of the Telecommunications Act of 2001, which was amended in 2004 to include this provision. The document titled Telecommunications (Access to Facilities) Regulations details the regulations for licensees of telecommunications services to negotiate in good faith in order to share the use of their facilities.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231022234439/http://tatt.org.tt/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=133&P
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231022234254/https://www.urcabahamas.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ECS-17-2014-Infrastructure-Sharing-Regulations-1.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230330170940/https://unctad.org/system/files/non-official-document/dtl_eWeek2017c06-isoc_en.pdf
- https://datahub.itu.int/data/?i=100014
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
3.78%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
60.52%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.kommerskollegium.se/globalassets/publikationer/rapporter/2024/advancing-the-green-transition.pdf
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
N/A
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Participation in the WTO Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and 2015 expansion (ITA II)
Lack of participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and in ITA Expansion Agreement (ITA II)
Trinidad and Tobago is not a signatory of the 1996 World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) nor the 2015 expansion (ITA II).
Coverage ICT goods
Sources
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.kommerskollegium.se/globalassets/publikationer/rapporter/2024/advancing-the-green-transition.pdf
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Since January 2015, last amended in July 2023
Since February 2022
Since July 2021
Since February 2022
Since July 2021
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Exclusion from public procurement
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Participation in Procurement) Regulations, 2021
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Procurement Methods and Procedures) Regulations, 2021
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Participation in Procurement) Regulations, 2021
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Procurement Methods and Procedures) Regulations, 2021
Art. 28 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act provides that a procuring entity may restrict participation in procurement proceedings to promote local industry development and enhance local content. When a procuring entity decides to limit participation to certain suppliers or contractors, such restrictions must be clearly stated and justified within the procurement documentation. However, the Act does not specify the criteria or conditions under which foreign companies may be excluded for the purpose of supporting local industry. This is confirmed in Art. 4.3 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Participation in Procurement) Regulations, 2021.
Moreover, Art. 7.3 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Procurement Methods and Procedures) Regulation 2021 specifies that an invitation may normally be advertised regionally or internationally only when (i) the required goods, works, or services are not available from qualified, competent and experienced providers in Trinidad and Tobago at competitive prices; or (ii) it may be necessary to fulfil the terms and conditions of a regional or international treaty or agreement. Further information about the criteria for advertising can be found in the General Guidelines on Procurement Methods and Procedures.
Moreover, Art. 7.3 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Procurement Methods and Procedures) Regulation 2021 specifies that an invitation may normally be advertised regionally or internationally only when (i) the required goods, works, or services are not available from qualified, competent and experienced providers in Trinidad and Tobago at competitive prices; or (ii) it may be necessary to fulfil the terms and conditions of a regional or international treaty or agreement. Further information about the criteria for advertising can be found in the General Guidelines on Procurement Methods and Procedures.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211003024908/https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Public-Procurement-and-Disposal-of-Public-Property-Act-2015.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240627043425/https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Public-Procurement-and-Disposal-of-Public-Property-Participation-in-Procurement-Regulations-2021.pd...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210804205327/https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Public-Procurement-and-Disposal-of-Public-Property-Procurement-Methods-and-Procedures-Regulations-2...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240625102224/https://oprtt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Procurement-Methods-and-Procedures.pdf
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Since February 2022
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Indicator Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Participation in Procurement) Regulations, 2021
According to Art. 3 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Participation in Procurement) Regulations, 2021, a supplier or contractor participating in an international competitive bid may benefit from domestic preference mechanisms specified in the bidding documents where the procurement involves:
(a) the supply of goods manufactured exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago; or
(b) the supply of goods partially manufactured or assembled in Trinidad and Tobago, provided that the supplier or contractor demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the procuring entity, that the proportion of domestic value added represents at least 35% of the ex-works price of the goods offered.
As stipulated in Art. 4.2 of the same Regulations, the percentage of domestic price preference permitted in a bidding document is set at 10%, subject to quarterly review by the procuring entity.
Furthermore, when determining the domestic value added, the procuring entity shall take into account the value of domestic labour, raw materials, locally produced components, and any manufacturing or assembly conducted within the country. The nationality of a supplier or contractor shall not be used as a condition for eligibility.
(a) the supply of goods manufactured exclusively in Trinidad and Tobago; or
(b) the supply of goods partially manufactured or assembled in Trinidad and Tobago, provided that the supplier or contractor demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the procuring entity, that the proportion of domestic value added represents at least 35% of the ex-works price of the goods offered.
As stipulated in Art. 4.2 of the same Regulations, the percentage of domestic price preference permitted in a bidding document is set at 10%, subject to quarterly review by the procuring entity.
Furthermore, when determining the domestic value added, the procuring entity shall take into account the value of domestic labour, raw materials, locally produced components, and any manufacturing or assembly conducted within the country. The nationality of a supplier or contractor shall not be used as a condition for eligibility.
Coverage Horizontal
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
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)
Trinidad and Tobago is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status.
Coverage Horizontal
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Since February 1990, entry into force in August 1990, last amended in 2007
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Maximum foreign equity share
Foreign Investment Act, 1990
The Foreign Investment Act of 1990 requires potential investors to provide certain information to the Minister of Finance and the Secretary of the Company, including name, address, identity of other countries where they have investments, purpose, and residence status. Nonetheless, there is no restriction on foreign ownership in place. The Act repealed the Aliens (Landholding) Act, Chap. 58:02, No. 36 of 1921.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240716123234/http://laws.gov.tt/ttdll-web/revision/list?offset=0&q=foreign¤tid=768#showact
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230923215346/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-laws/laws/46/trinidad-and-tobago-foreign-investment-act
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251009083638/https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/trinidad-and-tobago/#report-toc__section-1
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Since February 1990, entry into force in August 1990, last amended in 2007
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Indicator Screening of investment and acquisitions
Foreign Investment Act, 1990
Under Arts. 4 and 5 of the Foreign Investment Act, 1990 of Trinidad and Tobago, any foreign investor intending to acquire shares in a local public company must, prior to doing so, submit detailed information to both the Minister of Finance and the Secretary of the company, as specified in the First Schedule. This information includes personal or corporate identification details, the purpose of the investment, disclosure of other jurisdictions where the investor holds investments, residency status under the Exchange Control Act, and comprehensive information regarding the consideration and financial transactions related to the investment.
Furthermore, pursuant to Art. 5 of the Act, a foreign investor must obtain a licence before acquiring shares in a local public company if such acquisition—whether direct or indirect—would result in foreign investors collectively holding 30% or more of the company’s total shareholding. In addition, under the Second Schedule, every local public company is required to record in its Share Register whether each shareholder qualifies as a foreign investor.
Furthermore, pursuant to Art. 5 of the Act, a foreign investor must obtain a licence before acquiring shares in a local public company if such acquisition—whether direct or indirect—would result in foreign investors collectively holding 30% or more of the company’s total shareholding. In addition, under the Second Schedule, every local public company is required to record in its Share Register whether each shareholder qualifies as a foreign investor.
Coverage Public companies
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230923215346/https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-laws/laws/46/trinidad-and-tobago-foreign-investment-act
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231002051430/https://www.finance.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/129.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250426014959/https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-investment-climate-statements/trinidad-and-tobago/
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SURINAME
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Suriname has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Reported in 2022, last reported in 2025
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Restrictions for imports and exports
It is reported that in February 2021, the Foreign Exchange Commission implemented measures concerning exchange rate policy. These include a requirement for exporters to repatriate earned export revenues to Suriname, necessitating that buyers abroad make payments through a Surinamese commercial bank. Additionally, exporters and foreign exchange offices are mandated to convert 30% of their foreign currency income into Surinamese Dollars (SRD). For imports, the new regulations stipulate that payments must also be made through Surinamese commercial banks.
Coverage Imports and exports
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 October 2009
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Terms and Conditions .SR-Domain Names 2009 (Deze Algemene Voorwaarden .SR-domeinnamen ziin 2009)
According to the Art. 3.3 of the Terms and Conditions ".SR" domain names of 2009, domain name applicants who do not reside or are not domiciled in Suriname shall designate an address in Suriname where written documents can be delivered to the domain name applicant and summons, if any, can be issued.
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
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Suriname has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
SURINAME
Since September 2017
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Electronic Legal Transactions Act 2017 (Wet Elektronisch Rechtsverkeer 2017)
Suriname enacted the Electronic Transactions Act, drawing upon the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
