Effective 1 January 2022, the BES Chambers of Commerce and Industry Act, the BES Commercial Registers Act 2009, the BES Commercial Registers Decree 2009 and the BES Chambers of Commerce and Industry Elections Decree will be revised.

The changes in the new legislation and regulations mainly apply to:

• The elections of Chamber board members;
• The duties of the Chamber;
• The fees for a number of activities and products, which the Chamber provides.

The modernization of these laws and regulations will enable the Chamber of Commerce St Eustatius and Saba to perform its tasks more efficiently and effectively, and in a way that fits in with the current spirit of the times. An explanation of the most important changes is detailed below. For a complete overview, please refer to the texts of the relevant legislation and regulations.

Board Member Elections

A number of important changes involve the election of board members to the Chamber of Commerce Board. From now on elections will take place every three years, rather than every year or when necessary, by any board resignation. Additionally, instead of just electing part of the board as previously, the entire board will be appointed simultaneously in the new election.

Duties and Powers

The Chamber of Commerce’s duties will be expanded to include providing information and advice to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate such as supporting the Ministry’s economic policy. The Chamber will remain responsible for the Commercial Register and for providing appropriate advice to entrepreneurs.

Rates

The annual contribution rates for organizations registered in the Commercial Register will depend upon their legal form and it will no longer be determined on the basis of subscribed capital. For public limited (NV) and private limited (BV) companies, a distinction will be made between small and large NVs and BVs on the basis of the number of registered officials. Small NVs and BVs (with only one official registered in the Commercial Register) will fall into a lower category than NVs and BVs with several registered officials.

The Chamber of Commerce will publish an overview of all consequences of the new legislation and regulations accompanied with applicable links shortly. It is important for all entrepreneurs to take note of these new laws and regulations. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices.

You can find the latest fees and tariffs here.