Investment Citizenship in Antigua focuses on the Antigua Economy. Antigua and Barbuda prohibits the import of certain goods primarily for health, safety, moral, and environmental reasons. According to the Montreal Protocol, Antigua and Barbuda has a phased elimination plan for substances that deplete the ozone layer, which includes a ban on the import of chlorofluorocarbons widely used in air conditioners and refrigerators. Restrictions on the import quantities of R11, R12, and R502 are also in place. Due to past safety issues, Antigua and Barbuda prohibits the import of refurbished used cars from Japan and South Korea. The import of vehicles containing chlorofluorocarbons in air conditioning systems is also banned. The import of certain agricultural products is restricted, such as citrus fruits, mangoes, sugarcane, and agricultural products from countries affected by the hibiscus mealybug. The government has stated that it will implement supply management measures in the agricultural sector, imposing quantity restrictions on imported agricultural products that compete with locally produced goods (including products from CARICOM countries).
Antigua and Barbuda also restricts the import of goods that pose health and safety risks, including: pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, medical raw materials, fireworks, and ammunition. Importing fireworks, firecrackers, and weapons ammunition requires prior permission from the Police Headquarters; importing pesticides requires prior permission from the Pesticide Control Board; importing pharmaceuticals and antibiotics requires prior permission from the Ministry of Health.
Antigua and Barbuda implements a comprehensive licensing system. A licensing system is also applied to goods with restricted import quantities, such as carbonated beverages, beer, and strong ales. The market for these products in Antigua and Barbuda is reserved for local beverage and brewing companies, accounting for 75% of the market. The Antigua and Barbuda government has acknowledged that this practice does not comply with the provisions of CARICOM Treaty No. 56 and has stated that adjustments will be made when all non-tariff barriers for CARICOM's least developed countries are converted to tariffs in 2004. Antigua and Barbuda also imposes quantity restrictions on imported T-shirts, with import quotas determined by domestic production and market demand; products from CARICOM countries are exempt from quota restrictions.
The import licensing system is managed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Antigua and Barbuda. Import licenses will be granted to applicants for goods not subject to quota restrictions. A nominal printing fee of 0.1 East Caribbean Dollar is charged for each application form.