Customs Duty and GCT Exemption Period Extended for Importation of Hurricane Relief Supplies

The Government has extended the period for which persons can import Hurricane Melissa relief supplies without paying Customs Duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT).

The measure, which was set to expire on November 28, has been moved to the end of December 2025.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement in a Statement in the House of Representatives on November 4.

“To speed the flow of humanitarian goods, the Government had approved customs duty and GCT exemption for the importation of relief supplies for one month expiring November 28. Recognising that recovery efforts are ongoing and will extend beyond this one-month period, we will extend this relief period by a further month to the end of December 2025,” he said.

Dr. Holness informed that the measure would ensure that every shipment of relief supplies can reach Jamaicans quickly, efficiently and without additional financial burden.

He further announced that persons will be allowed to import Starlink equipment and other such equipment, inverters and solar-powered equipment, including panels and batteries free of customs duty and GCT.

The Prime Minister said this is in addition to the eligible items already announced by the Jamaica Customs and in consideration of the extent of the damage to the electricity grid in the most affected parishes and projected timelines for restoration.

“This is in an attempt to get power and communication back into the communities that really need it. I know others will take advantage of it but I appeal to Jamaicans – if you can buy two Starlink and send one to a family or a community, do it,” Dr. Holness encouraged.

“If you can buy solar batteries and solar panels and give it to a community or household in the affected parts of Jamaica, please do it. I know that when we give up these revenues, others will benefit from it that don’t really need it, so I ask Jamaicans to use your conscience; ensure that the other half of Jamaica that is suffering now benefits from this relief,” he said.

Dr. Holness also indicated that the items shipped before the expiration date would benefit from exemption.