Licensing Opens for Commercial Use of Belize’s National Symbols

Applications are open for companies and individuals to get licenses to make items bearing the image of Belize’s national symbols. Following the passage of the National Symbols Act in February, any item created for sale bearing the national symbols must adhere to a standardized design in terms of dimensions and colors. The legislation includes the flag, coat of arms, national anthem, and emblems like the keel-billed toucan, mahogany tree, and black orchid. Rolando Cocom, Director of the Institute of Social and Cultural Research (ISCR), says that currently, the licensing requirement is only being enforced on the production and importation of the Belizean Flag. Cocom says that the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) has received more than 20 applications and is working to respond to applicants as quickly as possible. 

Cocom says that the full specs for the national symbols will be available on the NICH website, so the public can be aware of the standards.