Export-Import Licensing

OBTAINING AN IMPORT LICENCE

The Trade Board is Jamaica’s certifying authority for goods exported under the various trade agreements.  The organization is headed by a Trade Administrator and they are located at 72 Harbour Street, Kingston (Air Jamaica Bldg.) The Trade Board’s stipulated export licensing process is as follows:

Walk-in Applications:

• Walk-in clients will take their commercial invoice (CI as supporting document to the Trade Board.
• The cashier will key relevant data from the CI into Trade Board Information System (TBIS) to facilitate shipment certificate processing and payment
• Upon receipt of the customs approval letter a licensing officer will approve the shipment certificate.
• Once approved, the approved shipment certificate will be available to Customs.  The client may request a printed copy
• Clients not shipping via Berth 11 will be provided a printed copy of the shipment certificate

Applications can also be made using the Trade Board’s Customs iCASE system. For further information check their website at:  http://www.tradeboard.gov.jm

Import Licensing

The legal authority for administering this policy is the Trade Act, Law 4, 1955. There are thirty four (34) items now on the List of Items that Require Import Licensing. Please check their website for the list of licensable items and the requirements.

JAMAICA CUSTOMS REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORT

The primary responsibility of this agency is to collect revenue on all imports.  Jamaica Customs also protects the country from the effects of importation of all goods or products that are deemed harmful to the nation, including the spread of disease and pests. The Customs Department can advise you on all the necessary requirements for exporting and importing your goods.

Procedures for Commercial Cargo Exportation

Procedures for Commercial Cargo Importation