Jamaica Customs and Port Operators Collaborate to Clear Goods Early

The Jamaica Customs Agency and port operators are collaborating to ensure timely clearance of goods ahead of the Christmas season, which include longer opening hours and additional staff to handle the increased number of shipments entering the island.

Commissioner of Customs, Major Richard Reece, who provided updates at a media briefing on November 28, at Customs House, Newport East, said the agency is ensuring that the customers get the best service at the ports.

The Commissioner and the operators are advising persons not to come in large numbers very early, as is the traditional experience. “Once persons comply with the relevant guidelines, the plans put in place will work and decrease the long wait at the ports,” Major Reece said.

“All the ports and bonded warehouses have significantly enhanced their facilities to improve their service delivery, and Jamaica Customs also partners to ensure that we can provide the clearance and inspection services,” he added.

Major Reece said persons making shipment to the island must ensure that they do not include personal goods with commercial quantities, as the items will be assessed as commercial goods, which attract higher duties.

The move by the Jamaica Customs Agency and port operators come as a response to lessen the waiting periods when customers try to clear their goods.