Additional Items Added To Essential Goods List
The Ministry of Home Affairs advised that “further cost of living relief has been introduced through an expansion of the Essential Commodities Regulations.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to advise the public that further cost of living relief has been introduced through an expansion of the Essential Commodities Regulations.
“As part of the Government’s Affordable Bermuda Agenda, additional everyday items have been added to the list of essential goods, making them more affordable for Bermudian families. These changes were Gazetted on May 8, 2026, and will allow the relevant Customs tariff codes and duty relief to be applied to the newly added items.
“The expanded list includes a wider range of products commonly used by households, such as:
- Fresh produce: Avocados, beans, berries, grapes, lemons, limes, mixed greens, onions, pumpkin, sweet potatoes.
- Meats: Deli meats, frozen fish, frozen turkey parts.
- Dairy: Cottage cheese, yoghurt.
- Bakery, cereal and grains: Crackers, muesli, oats, quinoa.
- Pantry staples: Baking soda, canned vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, soups, and stock.
- Infant nutrition and care: Baby food, baby wipes, children’s medicines, and formula.
- Household cleaning and hygiene: Bleach, lotion, paper products, soap, and toothpaste.
- Maternal: Specific named brand breast pump apparatuses.
“In addition, some existing items have been clarified to make the list clearer and more precise. For example, “sanitary products” is now specified as “sanitary towels/pads and tampons,” and “diapers” are now described as “napkins and napkin liners for babies.”
“The Ministry notes that reducing duty on these items is expected to result in meaningful price reductions at the register, particularly for commonly purchased goods. For many essential products, duty relief can translate into price decreases ranging from approximately 5% to 25%, depending on the item and retailer, providing monthly savings for households on frequently purchased groceries, baby care items, and hygiene products.
“The Ministry also reminds the public that while the Essential Commodities Regulations and the Customs Tariff Act are separate pieces of legislation, both work together to help reduce the overall cost of goods. Residents are encouraged to visit www.gov.bm to review the Customs Department’s updated duty and tariff information.
“This expansion reflects the ongoing commitment of the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, to tackle the cost of living in a practical and measurable way, targeting relief where it will have the greatest impact for Bermudians who need it most.”
Minister Lightbourne stated, “Families across Bermuda are carrying real pressure at the checkout. This expansion of the Essential Commodities list targets that pressure directly, adding fresh produce, dairy, infant nutrition, and household basics to the goods that qualify for duty relief. The savings will be visible at the register on the items households purchase most often. The Affordable Bermuda Agenda was built to deliver relief that is practical, measurable, and targeted. Today, that relief expands again.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry will continue to assess additional measures to support households and ensure that essential goods remain accessible and affordable.”
Enough already…. make this effective for all items in grocery stores. Picking this, ghat and other. All items.
Grocery stores could do specials as was done years ago. Lunch, breakfast, laundry and more.
Government is a master at making simple things complicated.
Why is this needed?
Our rate of retail price inflation has consistently been lower than that of the U.S., U.K, and Canada for the last 6 years or more.