Press Release

In keeping with measures to increase efficiency, all Scrap Metal Exporters requiring permits from the Trade Board Limited (TBL), are being reminded that effective Monday, June 22, 2020, they must register through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) portal at www.jswift.gov.jm, as manual applications will no longer be accepted by the TBL.

Trade Administrator/CEO of the TBL, Douglas Webster, described this move as a timely one, considering the thrust to re-energise Jamaican exports by, among other things, making related transactions easier to carry out. He indicated that the Trade Board is “delighted to put in practice something that has been discussed for a long time. Single Window is a game changer for the exporters and importers and by extension for Jamaica.”

Mr. Webster mentioned that “the main features of JSWIFT for scrap metal exporters include the ability to attach required documents, submit payment and view the status of an application.”

“Scrap metal exporters who are applying for permits would usually submit a number of physical documents such as a completed application form, certificate of bond, TCC, proof of registration by JAMPRO, certificate of incorporation, TRN, valid ID, police record, among others,” he pointed out.

Andre Williams, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and Project Manager for JSWIFT, stated that, “the automated services, involving online licensing and permit applications now being introduced for exports, is the first for the sector, and is a major step in the right direction for improving service delivery.”

“Based on our interaction with exporters, this is indeed a welcomed change and a drastic improvement from what previously existed,” he added.

Mr. Webster noted that his staff is fully prepared for this and has received extensive training from the JSWIFT team. Sharon Mais-Kleinhans, an exporter, said she is “happy for the change.” She expressed the view that “the online system will be more efficient and approval should be quicker.”

For further information, exporters may contact the JSWIFT Client Support Team at: support@jswift.gov.jm or info@jswift.gov.jm, or by telephone at 876-750-3096-7. They may also contact the TBL at info@tradeboard.gov.jm. The JSWIFT project is being implemented on a phased basis, by the JCA, in collaboration with other border regulatory agencies.

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is reminding Customs Brokers and Broker Clerks that they have a period of three (3) months ending June 30, 2020, to submit their valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) and Police Record, following the renewal of their licences with the JCA for the period 2020-2021. This extension is only applicable for the renewal of applications, as new applications for all licences are subject to the normal requirements.

Ordinarily, documents such as the TCC and Police Record would be required upon renewal of licences. However, the JCA temporarily suspended these requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis, which impacted the usual business operations of most organisations.

Applying for a Customs Broker Licence

Subject to the requirements of the Customs Regulations, the Customs Brokers Licensing Advisory Board (CBLAB) of the JCA is responsible for recommending the issuance of licences to Individual Applicants, Bodies Corporate and Unincorporated Associations, which undertake Customs broking functions in Jamaica.

Applying for an Individual Licence

Individuals applying for a Customs Broker licence must submit the following documents along with the prescribed application form to the CBLAB:

• Provisional licence held for not less than a year, after receiving training, while being articled to a Licensed Customs Broker;
• Typed cover letter in the applicant’s own handwriting, stating the basis of the application;
• Two (2) passport sized photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace (J.P.);
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC);
• Valid Police Record;
• Two (2) character references, one of which should be from a J.P.;
• Proof of residence (utility bill or confirmation letter from a J.P., etc);
• Proof of age (Passport, Driver’s Licence or National ID);
• Proof of educational qualification (Mathematics and English are mandatory, except where exemptions apply).

Applying for a Body Corporate Licence Application

Bodies Corporate must submit the following, along with the prescribed application form for such licences:  

• Typed cover letter stating the basis of the application;
• A certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation;
• Two (2) character references for each director, one of which should be from a J.P.;
• Valid Police Records for each applicant;
• Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC);
• One (1) passport sized photograph certified by a J.P. for each director;
• A valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) in the name of the Body Corporate;
• Majority of the directors must provide:
  1. Proof of age (Passport,  Driver’s Licence or National ID);
  2. Proof of residence ((utility bill or confirmation  letter from a J.P., etc);
  3. Proof of educational qualification (Mathematics and English Language mandatory, except where exemptions are applicable).

Application for Unincorporated Association Licence

Unincorporated Associations must submit the following, along with the prescribed application form for such licences:

• Typed cover letter, stating the basis of the application;
• Each member should submit:
  • Two (2) certified passport size photographs;
  • Valid Tax Compliance Certificate;
  • Police Record;
  • Two (2) character references, one of which should be from a J.P.;
  • Proof of residence (utility bill or Confirmation Letter from J.P., etc)
  • Proof of age (Passport Bio-page, Driver’s Licence or National ID)
  • Proof of educational qualification (Mathematics and English mandatory, except where exemptions may apply);
  • One member must be a Licence Customs Broker

PLEASE NOTE:

• All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Director of Customs House Operations.
• The witnessing of signed applications is no longer required by the JCA.
• All applicants are required to sign a copy of the Code of Conduct prior to the licence being issued, and are also subject to a background check and to public notification.

The Agency remains fully committed to serving our stakeholders, and strengthening the partnership with the broker fraternity.

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is advising that persons who are in ‘lock-down’,  as ordered by the  Government of Jamaica, should desist from attempting to effect clearance at any port, as this will not be facilitated by the JCA, during the period of ‘lock-down’.

The JCA is also reminding the public that only the consignee (person in whose name the goods have been imported), an Agent, or any other person authorised to undertake clearance, is allowed on the port or in warehouses to effect the clearance of shipments.

In order to minimise physical contact during this time, the Agency is encouraging customers to use the Express Cargo Clearance Procedure (ECCP), for the processing and clearance of personal shipments with a value at or (Cost, Insurance & Freight - CIF) below US$5000.00.

The Express Cargo Clearance Procedure

Importers can authorise Clearing Agents (Consolidators, Freight Forwarders, Warehouse Keepers or Customs Brokers) to clear personal shipments. This includes preparing, submitting and paying for a Customs Declaration (IMS4), where so authorised by the importer.

Where authorised, some Clearing Agents can complete the entire Customs clearance formalities, including the delivery of the cargo/goods to the consignee, upon the request of the customer. 

Convenient Payment Options

In keeping with the nation’s efforts to minimise the spread of COVID-19, the Agency is reminding its customers of its online payment options, such as E-payment (via the ASYCUDA World Portal); Real Time Gross Settlement -R.T.G.S (Direct Bank Transfer); and the Advance Deposit Account (Prepayment Services). However, customers can still make ‘over-the-counter’ payments at the Cashier at the offices of the JCA. For further information on these payment options, customers may call the JCA's Revenue Accounts Unit at 876-948-5151 or email directpayment@jca.gov.jm.   

The JCA remains committed to facilitating trade during this crisis, and will continue to seek ways to optimise efficiency. We urge our customers to remain safe. Let us together, combat COVID-19.

In keeping with public health measures to combat the coronavirus, COVID-19, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is advising passengers, who entered Jamaica on or after March 18, and are in quarantine, to refrain from proceeding to any port to effect the clearance of goods, as this will not be facilitated until their quarantine period has ended.

The Agency is also urging other persons in quarantine, to adhere to the requisite health protocols and guidelines of the quarantine period, as together we seek to effectively combat this pandemic. 

Customers who must visit its offices are also being asked to cooperate with security personnel, with respect to using the hand sanitisers (alcohol based) provided by the organisation. Customers may also use their own sanitiser in the presence of security personnel.

The JCA takes this opportunity to encourage customers to utilise its online channels, such as Live Chat and its Customer Relationship and Feedback Platform, located on its website: www.jacustoms.gov.jm, to make queries or to lodge reports. They may also email our Customer Service Representatives at public.relations@jca.gov.jm and quick.response@jca.gov.jm, or telephone 876-922-5140-8.

The Agency remains fully committed to serving our stakeholders and our country.