Makutu Básiko

The Government is responsible for making sure all products of basic needs for the human survival are both accessible and affordable to everyone. Curaçao is highly dependable on import goods, which makes us susceptible to the constant international inflation. Especially those with a minimum wage or a low income may have difficulty supplying in their own basic needs with the constant increase in prices. The Makutu Básiko regulates therefore, a list of products that are considered basic necessities for every household.

All products that are considered of basic needs to the everyday survival, are regulated through the Makutu Básiko. Contrary to popular belief, the Makutu Básiko doesn’t regulate a fixed maximum price for these products but the maximum percentage of profit a wholesaler and retailer can make on each product. The only two products for which the maximum price is regulated through the Makutu Básiko, are eggs and water based bread. In the Makutu Básiko you’ll find products such as toilet paper, rice, milk and some fruits & vegetable.

The Department of Economic Inspections monitors compliance with the Makutu Básiko regulation during routine controls in wholesale companies, supermarkets, minimarkets and “toko’s”.

You can download and read the Makutu Básiko regulation (in Dutch) including the whole list of regulated products that are controlled by the Government.