Queen’s Warehouse Auction
All auctions conducted by the Jamaica Customs Agency follow established guidelines and procedures in order to ensure transparency and adherence to the law.
Section 88 of the Customs Act highlights conditions under which items are eligible to be auctioned – (goods are deposited in the Queen’s Warehouse after 14 days of off-loading and auctioned 4 months after being in the Queen’s Warehouse). The exceptions are those items under investigation or pending court procedures.
Participating
All persons wishing to participate in the auction must be registered. Applicants are required to submit 2 passport size photographs, TRN Card and a valid ID. Registration takes place at Queen’s Warehouse: Norman Manley International Airport, Sangster International Airport and 230 Spanish Town Road, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Conducting
All auctions are conducted in the presence of Auditors and a representative from the Ministry of Finance & the Public Service. (Written certification must be received from the Public Health Department prior to auction).
- Perishable items are auctioned immediately upon being warehoused.
- Items not permitted to be warehoused e.g. matches are to be auctioned after 14 days notice by publication in the Gazette & Newspaper.
Reasons for Withdrawal of Goods from Auction Sales
Items / motor vehicles previously advertised in the Newspaper may not be available for sale on the day of the auction, as the importers have the right to the clearance of their goods/motor vehicles up to the day before the Auction.
Reserved Price
A Reserved Price must be assessed on all goods/motor vehicles to be auctioned. This represents the lowest price at which the goods may be sold to recover the duties, other taxes and charges.
Payment
For purchases by manager’s cheque, delivery will not be made until the banks have cleared these cheques which should be made payable to the Collector of Customs . Successful bidders who are unable to make full payment on the day of the sale will be required to deposit at least ten percent (applicable only to motor vehicles) of their bids with the balance to be paid within one week (10% is non-refundable).
Disposal of Proceeds from Auction
In ALL cases where goods are sold under the provisions of the Act, the proceeds must first be applied to:
- Customs Duty, GCT & other relevant taxes
- Removal and Sale Expenses
- Any rent & charges due to Government
- Freight, port storage and other charges.
- The remainder to the owner of the goods on application within 2 years of the sale.
Before the vehicles/goods are released to the successful bidder or the importer, Customs must first be satisfied that all charges due on such goods have been paid.
