JCA Continues to Facilitate Efficient Operations within SEZs

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) continues to facilitate efficient operations within Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), ensuring that goods are moved seamlessly from one location to the next.

SEZs are designated areas within a country that offer special incentives and regulatory frameworks to attract foreign direct investments, promote economic growth, and boost international trade.

Manager, Berth XI Operations, at the JCA, Lieutenant Colonel Everton Morgan, pointed out that “the movement of goods between SEZs is a critical element in our country’s economic development… as it plays a significant role in shaping international trade and investment patterns”.

Additionally, he shared that by facilitating the “smooth” movement of goods, SEZs stand to benefit from enhanced supply chain efficiency, reduced transportation costs and an improvement in their overall competitiveness.

Lt. Col. Morgan was presenting at the third staging of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority’s Business Acceleration Centre (BAC) Accelerator series, on the topic ‘Movement of SEZ Assets between Zones’, held virtually on Wednesday, January 17.

Explaining the process involved in the transportation of goods within zones, he noted that “movement starts with the JCA”.

He pointed out that the process begins with a licensed Customs Broker, who is responsible for preparing a Single Administrative Document (SAD) (IM9), using Customs Procedure Code (ANC) 9090.

However, for businesses operating in areas outside of the Kingston Free Zone that do not have direct access to a Custom Broker, they are required to make an appointment by sending an email to exportmarinekgn@jca.gov.jm.

“This email alerts our Managers, Supervisors and Officers that an appointment request has been made for us to offer our services of examining the items that are to be moved from one zone to another,” Lt. Col. Morgan explained.

Once the appointment is confirmed, a JCA officer will be assigned to the shipment and will verify the SAD prior to visiting the location where the examination is to be conducted.

On arrival at the location, the Customs Officer will examine and verify the items that are to be transported, in accordance with the Customs Inspection Act, before they are released for movement.

The items are then escorted by a Customs Clerical Officer to the designated SEZ.

Lt. Col. Morgan outlined that this is a very important step in the process, as “we want to ensure and be 100 per cent certain that the items that we are asked to move from your location is going to a designated area and not somewhere else”.

The movement of assets to the domestic territory by donation and disposal as well as the treatment of e-waste within SEZs were also among the topics discussed.

Other sessions in the series will focus on topics including Increasing Returns on your Investment through Quality, Legislative Responsibilities of SEZs, and Credit Options for Funding your SEZ Investment.

Persons interested in participating in the upcoming sessions may visit the JSEZA website at https://www.jseza.com/ for more information.