Courier companies sue over online tax

Ecouriers Limited, Websource, Jet Box International, Aeropostale, CSF Couriers and Caribbean Shipping Agencies have filed an application to have the courts review the decision the the government to implement the tax.

Representing the courier companies are attorneys Keith Scotland, Joel Roper, Gideon McMaster and Jacqueline Chang.

The are contending that the decision of the minister to implement the tax, which came into effect on October 19, last year following the presentation of the national budget, was irrational, wholly unreasonable and disproportionate to any aim of the State and was done without adequate consultation.

They also contend they were not given a fair opportunity to be heard prior to the imposition of the tax and this was in violation of the principles of procedural fairness.

They are seeking declarations that their rights were violated and that they were unfairly discriminated against.

The companies also want the court to declare that the actions of the minister and the manner in which his decision was made known was not reasonably justified and goes against the Fair Trading Act of 2006.