Belize National Symbols Act 2025: Flag Rules, Licensing & Display
Understand Belize’s current national-symbol rules, including commercial licensing, educational and religious exemptions, correct flag display, and the 2025 standardized-use guidelines.
What does the National Symbols Act 2025 do?
The Act formally prescribes Belize’s national flag, coat of arms, anthem, prayer, flower, tree, bird and animal. It also regulates use of the national flag and coat of arms and places copyright in their designs in the Crown in perpetuity.
When is a National Symbols Licence required?
Section 12 requires an application for a licence for specified commercial activities, including importing, manufacturing for sale, offering for sale or selling goods representing the national flag or coat of arms.
A licence is also required for specified use or display of the flag or coat of arms in connection with a business, trade, profession, calling or activities of a body of persons. NICH currently provides a licensing process and lists licensed vendors.
Who is exempt from the licence requirement?
The Act states that a licence is not required for use or display of the national flag or coat of arms by educational institutions, religious institutions or for official ceremonies.
Official flag display guidance
What should you avoid?
The official guidelines say the flag should not touch the ground, floor or water; should not be displayed in a way that damages or soils it; should not be used to carry objects; and should not be defaced with letters, insignia or added designs.
The Act separately makes unauthorized mutilation or defacement of the flag or coat of arms an offence.
Belize flag rules FAQ
Do I need a licence to manufacture Belize flags for sale?
The 2025 Act requires a licence for specified manufacture-for-sale and related commercial activities.
Do schools need a licence simply to display the flag?
The Act provides an exemption for educational institutions.
Can the flag be flown at night?
Yes under the guidelines, provided the flagpole is lit.
Can text be printed over the flag?
Official guidelines say the flag should not be defaced with letters, insignias or added designs.
Belize National Symbols Act 2025
NICH — licensing and standardized files
Government/NICH — display guidelines
