Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has announced the deferment of the application of the Trade License Act, No. 19 of 2024, advising that the legislation has not yet come into force.
In a press release issued from Belmopan on December 23, 2025, the public—particularly members of the business community—was informed that the new trade licensing regime will therefore not apply for the 2026 trade licensing year. Under the Act, trade licensing was intended to be expanded to include rural areas for the first time.
As a result of the deferment, only businesses operating in towns and cities across Belize are eligible for the assessment and payment of a trade license fee for 2026.
