Customs House Series #6

JAMAICA OBSERVER - Customs House - Series #6

Applying for a Customs Broker Licence

Do you know which entity is responsible for issuing a Customs Broker Licence? Are you aware of the application requirements, whether you are applying as an individual or as an entity?

The Commissioner of Customs upon the recommendation of the Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Board (CBLAB) of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is responsible for issuing licences to individual Customs Brokers and Body Corporates.

Are You Applying for an Individual Customs Broker Licence? 

Individuals applying for a Customs Broker Licence must submit the following documents along with their prescribed application form (form to be submitted in duplicate) to the Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Board, through the office of the Director of Customs House Operations, Kingston. The application must be witnessed by the Collector of Customs or a representative.

Individual Broker

1. Cover letter in your own handwriting stating the basis of the application
2. If certification is the basis of application, certificate must be attached
3. Two (2) passport size photographs
4. Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
5. Police Record
6. Two (2) Character References from any of the following persons (1 must be from a Justice of the Peace):
   • Member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force of the rank of Inspector and above
   • Justice of the Peace (J P)
   • Minister of Religion
   • Resident Magistrate (RM)
   • Previous Employer

Are You Applying for a Body Corporate Licence?

All entities i.e., Body Corporates must submit the following along with their prescribed application form for licence (to be submitted in duplicate) to the Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Board.

1. A certified copy of each of the following:
   • Articles of Association
   • Memorandum of Association (If applicable)
   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Particulars of Directors (one must be a Licensed Customs Broker) from the Registrar of Companies, provided this information is not included in (I) or (II)
2. Two (2) character references for each Director from any two (2) of the following persons (one must be from a JP):
   • Member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force of the rank of Inspector and above
   • Justice of the Peace (JP)
   • Minister of Religion
   • Resident Magistrate(RM)
3. A resume’ for Directors who are not licensed Customs Brokers
4. One (1) passport sized photograph of each Director certified by any of the persons named above (item #2)
5. A listing of registered officers of the company (Directors, Company Secretary) with specimen signatures of those authorised to sign on Customs documents
6. A valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) in the company’s name