JCA Encourages Clients to Embrace the Contactless Clearance Process

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is encouraging clients to embrace its latest innovation, the Contactless Clearance Process (CCP).

Supervisor for Marine Operations at the JCA, Winston Gray, issued the invitation while speaking during the Government-At-Your-Service Marketplace at the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference on Monday (June 17) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The CCP facilitates the JCA’s inspection of clients’ goods without the need for their presence during the exercise.

Clients’ interests are represented by freight forwarders, through whom requests are made.

Customs is promptly notified and initiates timely clearance procedures under the CCP, which offers the advantage of prioritised processing of imports.

Mr. Gray notes that some clients often express discomfort with customs officers’ examination of goods in their absence, though similar procedures are common with international courier services.

The JCA advises that the CCP procedures incorporate stringent security measures.

“Examination is done in a sterile area under surveillance cameras and the officer [who] is doing the examination wears a body cam,” Mr. Gray added.

The JCA facilitates international trade by ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations, collecting duties and taxes, and safeguarding Jamaica’s borders against illegal imports and exports.

The entity aims to promote economic development, protect public revenue and facilitate legitimate trade activities through efficient and transparent customs procedures.