Jamaica Customs: reminders and clearance tips

1 Importers must make an accurate declaration of the contents of their shipment, and submit proper invoices to Customs, to avoid or reduce delays.

2 Shipments requiring you to pay Customs duties and taxes are cleared on a Customs Goods Declaration, known as an IM4 or IMS4. Ask your Clearing Agent to provide your Customs Declaration, Customs Assessment Notice and Customs Receipt, once duties and taxes are paid. Where your Clearing Agent may not be able to provide the IM4 or IMS4, request your Customs Goods Declaration Registration Number or C-Number, which can be used to verify your payments.

3 Where applicable, importers must apply for the requisite permission, permits and/or licenses, from the relevant Ministry or Border Regulatory Agency, before importing or shipping items.

4 By law, passengers must declare to the Customs Officer, if they are in possession of US Ten Thousand (US$10,000.00) and more (or its equivalent), and provide documentary evidence of the source of funding.

5 Air passengers, if available, present your Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) to the Customs Officer at the airport, if you have unaccompanied shipment; this will prevent or reduce delays when clearing your shipment at the point of clearance.

6 Items exported temporarily for repairs or commercial use, must first be registered with Jamaica Customs, using an Electronic Customs Declaration-EX2. Re-imported items which are upgraded, altered, or replaced may attract Customs Duty.

7 Charity organisations must ensure that Certificates of Registration are valid or up to date, before undertaking clearance.

8 You may use the ‘Appointment System’ instituted by port operators and warehouses in order to prevent or reduce wait time. Also, make use of the door-to-door delivery services offered by some agents and port operators, where possible.

9 Remember: adherence to all Customs-related requirements is necessary for the efficient processing and clearance of goods.

10 #TellUs … report any illicit activities at our borders/ports of entry. Call Crime Stop at 311.

For information, visit the JCA’s website and our social media platforms. Contact us by telephone at: 876-922-5140-8 or email: public.relations@jca.gov.jm.