StarKist Samoa is still waiting for the government to decide whether it should pay the customs scanner fees.
Photo: Supplied
The cannery has argued that its tax exemption certificate exempts it from paying taxes, fees and charges, related to its tuna processing operation, and this exemption should also apply to the customs scanner fees.
The Chief of Customs Moetului Fuiava Sipili maintained the scanner fee regulations did not allow for any exceptions, so StarKist has to pay.
Our correspondent reported that three months ago StarKist contested this but the company was still waiting for a government response.
The company's concern is that the fee would add to the cost of each can of tuna it exports.
