New laws and rules for businesses in Suriname

This is our list of laws, decrees and procedures that are new, have just changed or are before the National Assembly (DNA), and that affect your business. The main points right now: new import procedures under the amended Negative List apply from 1 November 2026, exporters have had to sell 35% of their foreign currency since 17 August 2026, and parliament is handling a package of tax and customs bills that widen the powers of the tax office considerably.

On this page (9)

• Overview
• In force
• Coming soon
• In the pipeline
• What you can do now
• How to keep up
• What if...
• Sources
• Frequently asked questions

Overview

Rule	Status	Mainly affects
Amended Negative List Decree	In force since 21 May 2026; new procedures from 1 November 2026	Importers, exporters, car trade, agriculture, gold sector
FX retention rule, General Decision no. 228	In force since 17 August 2026	Exporters of goods and services, gold exporters
Minimum hourly wage SRD 61.25	In force since 1 July 2026	All employers
Service marks	In force since 9 October 2026; transition period until 9 July 2027	Service businesses, trademark owners
New Civil Code	In force since 1 May 2025	Everyone: contracts, companies, employers, record keeping
Budget 2027	Presented 30 September 2026; no new tax rates announced	All taxpayers
General Customs Act 2026	Bill in DNA, committee stage	Importers, exporters, customs brokers
General Tax Act and implementing act	Bill in DNA, plenary debate started	All taxpayers
Tax Collection Act (with collection costs)	Bill in DNA, plenary debate started	Anyone with a tax debt, directors
Accident Regulation 2021	Bill in DNA, committee stage	Employers, insurers
Works Consultation Act	Bill in DNA, committee stage	Employers with more than 30 staff
Privacy and Personal Data Protection Act	Bill in DNA; consultation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in October 2026	Any business holding customer or staff data
Investment Act and SITA Act	Drafts, not passed	Investors, exporters
Procurement Act	Passed by DNA on 5 November 2024, not yet promulgated	Suppliers to government
Local Content Act	Preliminary draft; to be sent to DNA in 2027	Suppliers to oil, gas and mining
Electricity generation by third parties	Legal framework in final review (September 2026)	Businesses with solar panels or their own plant

A bill can still change a lot in parliament. Only act on the items under "In the pipeline" once the law is in the Official Gazette (Staatsblad) and has entered into force.

In force

Amended Negative List Decree (S.B. 2026 no. 39)

The Negative List sets out which goods you may not import or export and which need a licence. The President signed the amendment on 20 April 2026; it was published in the Official Gazette on 20 May 2026 and applies from the following day. It is the first major change since 2019.

• Status: in force since 21 May 2026. The new licence procedures start on 1 November 2026 (see Coming soon).
• What changes for imports:
  • Now banned: mercury, appliances containing CFCs, waste (except chemical and radioactive waste), ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol, certain styrene polymers and a range of harmful chemicals and pesticides, including methyl bromide.
  • Now licence required: chemicals for gold processing (Gold Ore Dressing Agents, HS 2837, 2842, 3815, 3817 and 3825), fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate and urea, animal feed (HS 2309), boxes, crates and egg boxes, transmitting and receiving equipment, mercury-containing products such as batteries, and plants and plant parts with their packaging (plastic, paper, jute, sacks). That last group previously only needed a certificate.
  • Cars: passenger cars and station wagons older than 8 years and buses for 10 or more people older than 15 years remain banned. Age now explicitly counts from the year of manufacture, not first registration. The classic car exception now starts at 35 years (was 25) and does not apply to dealers. Motorcycles and mopeds older than three years need a licence.
• What changes for exports: a new licence requirement for radioactive minerals, tin scrap and refrigerants (including HFCs) with related equipment; ozone-depleting substances are banned.
• What to do now: look up the HS code of each product and compare it with the list in S.B. 2026 no. 39 before you place an order. If in doubt, ask the Import, Export and Foreign Exchange Control Service (IUD) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZOTI) in writing. More in Importing goods and Exporting from Suriname.
• Source: S.B. 2026 no. 39, with explanatory memorandum.

Export proceeds retention rule (General Decision no. 228)

The Foreign Exchange Commission adopted General Decision (Algemene Beschikking) no. 228 on 31 July 2026; it has applied since 17 August 2026 and replaces three earlier decisions from 2022 and 2023.

• Status: in force. The business associations VSB and ASFA asked in September 2026 for fairer treatment of producing exporters under the rule, and the Minister of Finance and Planning defended its legal basis in parliament in August 2026. No amendment had been published by 26 October 2026.
• What changes: you bring export proceeds from goods, services and assets to a foreign exchange bank in Suriname and sell at least 35% within three working days. Gold exporters sell that 35% to the Central Bank, at the weighted average rate. Every month you submit proof to the Foreign Exchange Commission within 14 days. Non-compliance can cost you your licences.
• What to do now: include the mandatory sale in your pricing and FX planning, and ask your bank how it handles the reporting. Details in Exporting from Suriname; rates in Exchange rates today.
• Sources: Starnieuws, August 2026; De Ware Tijd, September 2026; Starnieuws, 20 August 2026.

Minimum hourly wage SRD 61.25

• Status: in force since 1 July 2026, for all sectors. It was SRD 52.47 before.
• What changes: every hour an employee works must pay at least SRD 61.25 gross. Overtime is calculated on the higher hourly wage.
• What to do now: check the lowest wages in your payroll and your contracts. Minimum wage · Employer costs · Payslip generator
• Source: WageIndicator: minimum wage increased in Suriname from 1 July 2026; Dagblad Suriname: nieuw minimumuurloon stijgt naar SRD 61,25.

Registering service marks

• Status: in force since 9 October 2026, after parliament approved it in 2026 (amendment of the Industrial Property Regulation 1912).
• What changes: until now Suriname only registered marks for goods. Now a hotel, consultancy, bank or transport company can register its name and logo for services at the Intellectual Property Office (BIE).
• What to do now: if you already own a mark, you can add service classes until 9 July 2027 and keep your original date, if you can prove you use the mark for those services. Trademark registration
• Sources: Spoor & Fisher, October 2026; GFC Nieuws, August 2026.

New Civil Code

• Status: in force since 1 May 2025 (S.B. 2024 no. 164; amendments to existing laws in S.B. 2024 no. 168). It replaces the Civil Code of 1860.
• What changes: contract law, company law (NV, foundation, association, cooperative) and employment law are now in a modern code closely modelled on the Dutch one. Some effects: every business, including a sole trader, must keep proper records (art. 3:15i); directors can be personally liable in bankruptcy if the books are not in order (art. 2:16); a probation period may be at most two months and a chain of temporary contracts becomes permanent sooner.
• What to do now: have old standard contracts, terms and conditions and articles of association reviewed. References to old article numbers (such as 1613a) are no longer correct. Bookkeeping and invoices · Hiring staff · Dismissal and notice · Labour law basics
• Sources: S.B. 2024 no. 164; Nederlands Juristenblad 2025/800 on the new Surinamese Civil Code.

Coming soon

1 November 2026: new import and licence procedures

After talks with business groups, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZOTI) kept the old procedure running until 31 October 2026. From 1 November the revised procedures under the amended Negative List apply. Applications partly still go through the existing procedure and partly through the Suriname Electronic Single Window (SESW). How you file affects how the information reaches Customs. EZOTI is working with Customs on practical issues, including correct HS codes, and has promised information sessions for businesses.

• Status: the date is fixed; on 17 October 2026 business groups were still asking for clarity on documents, transitional rules for shipments in progress and coordination between EZOTI and Customs.
• What to do now: file applications for shipments already on their way before 31 October where possible. Ask the IUD for each application which channel (SESW or paper) and which documents apply, have your broker check the HS code, and allow for delays and port storage costs on the first shipments after 1 November. Work out the costs first: Import cost calculator.
• Sources: De West, 28 September 2026; Starnieuws, 17 October 2026.

1 January 2027: budget year 2027

President Simons presented the plans for 2027 on 30 September 2026. The government expects revenue of SRD 70.1 billion and spending of SRD 80.9 billion, a deficit of SRD 10.8 billion or 4% of GDP. It expects SRD 46.8 billion in taxes, of which nearly SRD 20.1 billion income tax and about SRD 11.6 billion VAT.

• Status: budget submitted to parliament. No new tax rates were announced. The government wants more revenue from better compliance, a broader tax base, better collection and less leakage.
• What it means for you: expect more checks, targeted audits and digital filing. The minister said in August 2026 that the Raw Materials Decree (import duty exemption on raw materials for production) and VAT are being reviewed; there are no concrete proposals or dates yet.
• What to do now: make sure your returns, VAT records and payroll records reconcile. Business taxes · VAT in Suriname · Tax deadlines
• Sources: GFC Nieuws, 30 September 2026; Starnieuws, 1 October 2026; Starnieuws, 20 August 2026.

9 July 2027: last day to extend marks to services

If you held or had applied for a mark on 9 October 2026, you can add service classes until this date and keep the original filing date. After that it is an ordinary new application. Trademark registration

In the pipeline

These laws are not in force yet. The content can change; we give the state of the bill and the debate.

General Customs Act 2026

• What it is: a new framework law for customs, meant to give one clear set of powers for the fiscal and non-fiscal tasks of Customs. Work on it began as early as 2003. Many details will follow in state decrees.
• Status: submitted on 29 June 2026. The parliamentary committee heard the tax office and the customs union on 12 October 2026 and business groups on 21 October 2026.
• What changes: rules on imports and exports, declarations, permitted routes, a summary export declaration and reporting of vehicles before departure. Digital records are recognised and there are clearer rules on when goods count as Surinamese. Open points according to business groups: exceptions to electronic declaration, costs and time limits, perishable goods and the seizure of containers.
• What to do now: nothing legally yet. Follow the debate if you import or export regularly, and keep your records digital and complete.
• Sources: DNA: draft General Customs Act 2026; GFC Nieuws, October 2026; ABC Suriname, 26 October 2026.

General Tax Act, implementing act and Tax Authority

• What it is: one formal tax act for filing, assessment, audits, objections, appeals and penalties, covering income, wage, dividend, wealth and rental value tax and VAT among others. Rates stay in the separate tax acts. It comes with an implementing act, a Tax Courts Act and an amendment to the Tax Office Act. According to the President's address of 30 September 2026, these six bills together set up a Tax and Collection Authority.
• Status: submitted on 29 June 2026; committee final report on 25 August 2026; the minister answered questions in plenary on 6 October 2026. Not passed yet. Entry into force will be set by state decree.
• What changes: every taxpayer gets a tax identification number (FIN); the tax director can make electronic contact mandatory; inspectors get access to business premises under conditions; there will be late-filing penalties and offence penalties (up to 100% of the evaded tax for intent or gross negligence). An objection does not suspend payment. The draft gives the inspector one year to decide on an objection; the Chamber of Commerce (KKF) wants six to nine months.
• What to do now: keep records that let you support every return, and make sure your FIN is correct. Business taxes · Bookkeeping and invoices
• Sources: DNA: final report General Tax Act (25 August 2026); Suriname Nieuws Centrale; De West, 9 October 2026; Starnieuws on the President's address, 30 September 2026.

Tax Collection Act and collection costs

• What it is: one legal framework for collecting tax debts and import duties: reminders, enforcement orders, seizure, set-off, deferral, remission, limitation and collection interest. On 2 October 2026 the President filed an amendment that folds the separate Tax Collection Costs Act into the Tax Collection Act.
• Status: submitted on 29 June 2026; committee final report on 6 October 2026; plenary debate in October 2026. The government announced further amendments. Not passed yet.
• What changes: after a reminder you get 14 more days. In bankruptcy or on departure from Suriname a debt can become payable at once. An objection or appeal does not automatically suspend collection; you can ask for deferral. The collector can claim money from third parties who owe you, including your bank. Directors can, under conditions, be held liable for the company's tax debts, with a right to object. The draft charged collection costs of 1% of the debt, at least SRD 500 and with no maximum; members of parliament asked for a cap.
• What to do now: settle old tax arrears or agree a payment plan before these powers apply. Directors: ask for a status report on your company's tax debts.
• Sources: DNA: draft Tax Collection Act and final report (6 October 2026); Suriname Herald, 12 October 2026; Culturu, 11 October 2026.

Accident Regulation 2021

• What it is: a new regulation of the employer's duty to compensate employees for workplace accidents and occupational diseases. It is to replace the Accident Regulation of 1947 and lists occupational diseases in an annex.
• Status: submitted on 12 January 2024; the parliamentary committee heard unions, occupational physicians and employers in August 2026. Employers asked for a technical, legal and actuarial review before the debate continues.
• What to do now: the current rules still apply: you must insure your employees from their first working day. Employer costs
• Sources: DNA: draft Accident Regulation 2021; DNA: committee meeting report, 5 August 2026.

Works Consultation Act

• What it is: a duty to consult between employer and staff at company level. Under the draft, an employer with more than 30 employees holds a works consultation at least once a year, and within two weeks when staff ask for one with reasons.
• What changes: before decisions on, among other things, reorganisation, collective dismissal, use of temporary agency staff, new technology, pensions, health insurance, pay, working hours and training, you must consult your employees. Under the draft, decisions taken without consultation are void.
• Status: in committee; employers asked in August 2026 for a clearer line between informing, consulting and consent, and no automatic nullity.
• What to do now: if you employ more than 30 people, set out now how you discuss major decisions with your staff. Labour law basics
• Sources: DNA: draft Works Consultation Act; Starnieuws, 8 August 2026.

Privacy and Personal Data Protection Act

• What it is: Suriname has no general data protection law yet. The draft before parliament closely follows the EU GDPR: rules for processing personal data, rights for customers and employees, and an independent Data Protection Commissioner.
• Status: bill in parliament; the Ministry of Economic Affairs held a stakeholder session in October 2026, including business groups, and is developing the proposal further.
• What changes: under the draft you report a data breach to the Commissioner within 72 hours. Fines go up to SRD 5,000 or 2% of worldwide annual turnover, and for more serious breaches up to SRD 10,000 or 4%, whichever is higher.
• What to do now: map which customer and staff data you keep, where and why, and who can access it. Suppliers to European customers already get these questions through contracts.
• Sources: DNA: draft Privacy and Personal Data Protection Act; GFC Nieuws, 25 October 2026.

Investment Act and SITA Act

• What it is: a new Investment Act is to replace the Investment Act 2001 and set rules for tax and other incentives; a separate act governs the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA).
• Status: drafts. Organised business said in August 2026 it cannot support the Investment Act in this form and wants a national investment policy first, objective criteria and equal treatment of local, foreign and diaspora investors. The DNL party submitted amendments in July 2026.
• What to do now: the Investment Act 2001 still applies. Do not base an investment on incentives from the draft. Investing in Suriname · Business taxes
• Sources: Starnieuws, 8 August 2026; Starnieuws, 3 July 2026.

Procurement Act

• What it is: one set of rules for public procurement: every tender published, clear procedures, reasons for the award and tougher penalties, in line with CARICOM guidelines.
• Status: parliament passed it on 5 November 2024 with 28 votes. It has not been promulgated: the Suriname Economic Oversight Board (SEOB) still listed promulgation as a point of attention in September 2026. Without promulgation it is not in force.
• What to do now: follow the tenders that are already published. Tenders
• Sources: Suriname Herald, 6 November 2024; GFC Nieuws on SEOB bulletin 30, 26 September 2026.

Local Content Act

A Local Content Board was set up in November 2025. According to the government, a preliminary draft goes to parliament in 2027 after a validation session with stakeholders, so the framework is in place before first oil from GranMorgu in 2028. The Board advises on a Local Content Authority and on alignment with the Investment Act, the Procurement Act and the Economic Zones Act. If you want to supply oil and gas, register with the procurement portals now. Oil and gas: GranMorgu · Become an oil and gas supplier · gov.sr, 30 September 2026

Electricity generation by third parties

In September 2026 the power company EBS applied structural load shedding because generation capacity fell short. In talks with business groups, EBS said the new legal framework for electricity generation by third parties is well advanced but still needs a final review. There is no date. Meanwhile, expect outages and consider backup power or solar with batteries for your own use. Current power cuts: EBS power outages. GFC Nieuws, 19 September 2026

What you can do now

• Importer: check the HS codes of your regular products against S.B. 2026 no. 39 and file pending applications before 1 November.
• Exporter: build the 35% sale obligation into your prices and send proof to the Foreign Exchange Commission every month.
• Employer: check that nobody earns less than SRD 61.25 an hour and that your accident insurance is current.
• Director of an NV: know your company's tax position and clear any arrears.
• Have contracts and terms and conditions checked against the new Civil Code.
• Service business with a trademark: add your service classes before 9 July 2027.
• List the personal data you keep and who has access to it.

How to keep up

• Official Gazette (Staatsblad, S.B.): a law or decree only applies once it is published in the Staatsblad. The Suriname Law Institute publishes new issues on sris.sr.
• National Assembly: dna.sr, bills under consideration has the draft text, committee reports and, after the vote, the result for each bill.
• Ministries: news and notices from Economic Affairs, Finance and Planning and Labour are on gov.sr; the tax office publishes on belastingdienst.sr.
• Business associations: VSB, ASFA, the Chamber of Commerce (KKF) and sector associations are consulted on bills and ask members for comments. Membership gives you early insight and a voice. Business associations
• News: follow business headlines from the Surinamese papers on Business news.

What if...

• ...my container is held after 1 November because a licence is missing? Ask your broker which licence Customs is missing, file it with the IUD straight away and ask in writing for the reason if the shipment is held. Keep track of storage costs.
• ...I disagree with a tax assessment? File an objection within the deadline and ask for deferral of payment for the disputed part at the same time. An objection alone does not stop collection.
• ...a law is listed here as "passed" but not "in force"? Then it is waiting for publication in the Staatsblad or for a state decree setting the date it takes effect. Until then the old rules apply.

Sources

• S.B. 2026 no. 39, wijziging Besluit Negatieve Lijst (20 April 2026)
• De Nationale Assemblée: ontwerpwetten in behandeling
• DNA: eindverslag Algemene Wet Belastingen (25 August 2026)
• DNA: ontwerp Invorderingswet met eindverslag (6 October 2026)
• DNA: ontwerp Algemene Douanewet 2026
• DNA: commissieverslag Ondernemingsraadpleging en Ongevallenregeling (5 August 2026)
• DNA: ontwerp Wet Bescherming Privacy en Persoonsgegevens
• Burgerlijk Wetboek, S.B. 2024 no. 164
• gov.sr: jaarrede over olie, gas en local content (30 September 2026)
• De West: bestaande importprocedures tot november (28 September 2026)
• Starnieuws: onduidelijkheid nieuwe importregels (17 October 2026)
• Starnieuws: nieuwe retentieregeling A.B. no. 228 (August 2026)
• Suriname Herald: invorderingskosten (12 October 2026)
• Starnieuws: belastingopbrengsten 2027 (1 October 2026)
• Spoor & Fisher: service marks in Suriname (October 2026)

Checked on 26 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. A bill can still change; check the text in the Official Gazette.