How to Export to Jamaica
Import Regs.: Documentation/Procedures

Imports under US$1,000 for commercial or non-commercial purposes (informal entries) may be cleared directly by the importer using customs entry form C79. Imports over US$1,000 and up to US$5,000, require a customs entry form C78 and may also be cleared by the importer. Imports exceeding US$5,000 must be cleared by a licensed Customs Broker (who has to be a Jamaican citizen) using form C78. Perishable goods or urgent consignments may be cleared without a formal customs entry form; nevertheless, other documents, such as SPS certificates, are still required. In this case, a cash deposit, or bank guarantee is required to cover duties to be paid.

Other documents required include: a tax registration number (TRN) and a tax compliance certificate delivered by the Inland Revenue Department TRN is a nine-digit identification number assigned to all taxpayers Ò individuals, enterprises, or organizations.; import licence (issued by the Trade Board Ltd, Ministry of Commerce and Technology) or an import permit, when required; bill of lading or airway bill (delivered by the shipping agent); a supplier/sellerÌs invoice, or, when the sellerÌs invoice is absent or inadequate in a material way, a bill of sight (C24B, listing details of goods being imported), prepared by the importer or broker and certified by the Customs; value declaration forms (C84 or C85) and invoices. C84 form is used when the method of valuation for duty calculation purposes is the transaction value, and C85 when any other method is used.

In order to benefit from preferential access, imports from CARICOM countries require a certificate of origin from the certifying authorities in the country of origin; for preferences under bilateral agreements, a specific certificate form is used. The authorities indicate that all entries are processed within five minutes to three hours for fast-track entries and within 24 hours for regular entries.

On the arrival of the goods in Jamaica, the documents are submitted to the Customs authorities, whereupon the relevant duties must be paid before the goods may be cleared.

The importer may also be required to present a tax compliance certificate for the importer, a Business Enterprise Number (BENO) and a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN).

Products imported into Jamaica must meet the requirements of the Standards Act, the Processed Foods Act, and the Weights and Measures Act. These are all administered by the Jamaica Bureau of Standards.

Imported products must be labeled in English and must include the proper name of the product, an accurate declaration of content, ingredients and date of minimum durability. Products must also include the name and address of the processor, manufacturer, importer or distributor and country of origin. The ISO date representation (YY/MM/DD) is the official format for the purpose of trade and commerce in Jamaica.

Certain food products may require a phytosanitary certification. The Ministry of Health requires a certification by the Veterinary Division for all products containing animal or animal by-products, and products such as cookies, chips and candy.
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