The Jamaica Customs Department has implemented several measures to accommodate the increased activities during the yuletide season, including an increase in the number of line officers at the air and seaports, as well as the redeployment of other staff where necessary.In collaboration with the various port operators, working hours have been extended and officers are on hand to work through lunch hour at those locations where it becomes necessary.
TIPS TO AVOID DELAYS
Arriving passengers should complete passenger declaration form (C5) before they get to the Customs Area.
Arriving passengers should declare unaccompanied baggage to the customs officer and ensure that they receive an unaccompanied baggage declaration (C27) form, where applicable.
Ensure that permits from the Ministry of Agriculture are obtained before importing any meat or other agricultural products into the island.
Firecrackers, fireworks and toy guns are prohibited items under the Trade Act and will be confiscated by customs officials.
Importers of personal shipments need to know the content of their consignment in order to properly complete the goods declaration form (C86). If customs has to do an examination to tell you the content of your shipment, it will be entered on a bill of sight (C24) at a cost to you of $1,200.00. It is in your best interest to enquire of the sender of the shipment as to the contents.
If the person clearing the shipment is not the importer then proper authorisation is required. The 'Declarant' must show written authorisation from the importer along with a certified copy of the proper identification of the importer (e.g. copy of driver's licence, passport or national ID) along with the importer's TRN number.
Importers/brokers are encouraged to use the pre-arrival processing system (PAPS) and EPayment, in order to expedite the clearance process.
Ship goods early.
Please remember, only customs cashiers are authorised to collect customs duties.
