Customs House Series #11
The Customs Valuation Process
Are you importing goods?
Do you disagree with the assessment of values that was done?
Do you know the steps to be taken in requesting a re-assessment value of the imported goods?
The Jamaica Customs Agency reminds importers, that in keeping with World Customs Organisation (WCO) standards, an importer has the right to request a review of any assessment done at any of our ports by requesting that a referral note be prepared (for the imported goods) and sent to the Customs’ Valuation Verification Unit. This unit is located at Customs House, Myers’ Wharf, Newport East, Kingston 15.
Customers who are asking for a review to be done by the Valuation Verification Unit should submit all relevant documentation to the Valuation Unit. These include:
- Store receipts
- Bank receipts
- Wire transfers
- Credit/debit card receipts, etc. along with the referral notice mentioned above.
- Email correspondences
Valuations are done as quickly as possible, usually, within less than four (4) hours, at no cost to the client. It is important for importers to cooperate with the Customs Agency during the initial review process. If an importer is still not satisfied, that individual or entity can appeal to the Agency’s Internal Review Committee.
Valuation Principles
The Valuation Principles outlined in the Valuation Schedule (Section 19) of the Customs Act, specifies the rules of valuation for imported goods, the methods to be used and the manner in which they may be applied.
Rights and Obligations in keeping with the Customs Act:
- Section 19 (2) – Customs has the right to doubt the truth or accuracy of the information submitted.
- Section 19 (3) – Customs is obligated to notify the importer of how the value was determined.
- Section 19 (4) & 19 (5) – Customs is obligated to inform the importer of the right to an appeal without penalty.
- Section 19 (8) – Customs has two years within which to change a previously accepted value due to new information gathered or any other reason.
The Customs Valuation methods are based on the WTO’s Valuation agreement, of which there are six methods:
- Transaction Value – Article 1
- Transaction Value of Identical Goods – Article 2
- Transaction Value of Similar Goods – Article 3
- Deductive Method – Article 5
- Computed Method – Article 6
- Fall-back Method – Article 7
For details on the various methods and matters relating to valuation, please visit: https://www.wto.org/english/docs_e/legal_e/20-val_01_e.htm.
