eCommerce FAQ

Goods can be classified as being commercial if they fall into any of the following categories:

Shipping documents such as a Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
An authentic invoice from the supplier.
Import permits or licences, where applicable.
A Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) and a copy of the General Consumption Tax (GCT) Certificate.
An Original Certificate of Origin, if the goods are being imported from a country with which Jamaica has a Trade Agreement, and for which preferential duty treatment is being claimed.

Goods with a Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of more than US$5000.00 must be cleared by a licensed Customs Broker
The clearance of all motor vehicles must be done by a licensed Customs Broker.
Where the CIF value of the goods is US$5000 or less, the use of a Customs Broker is optional. Goods of this value can be cleared by the importer at the port of entry upon presentation of the clearance documents to the Customs Officer.N.B. Persons must ensure that they use only Customs Brokers who are registered with the Jamaica Customs Agency and possess a valid licence to practise.

Commercial goods must be cleared using the Electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD) on the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
If a Customs Broker is required, then all documents must be presented to the Broker who will complete the clearance process.
When the service of a Customs Broker or local agent is used, the C73 Form must be completed by the importer and the form processing fee of JA$5000 paid to the JCA. This form is valid for one year.
If a company employee/or person so authorised by the company, is used to effect clearance, a letter of authorisation from the company must be provided as well as a valid company ID (for employees).

Collect shipping documents from local agent and pay relevant fees.
A Customs Broker or authorised agent will prepare the commercial entry and submit to the Entry Processing Unit of the JCA.
The importer/agent will proceed to the Customs Cashier and pay the relevant fees after the entry is passed by Customs.
Proceed to the port or warehouse and pay the relevant local handling charges and storage fee if applicable.
The warehouse operator will locate the goods and place them in the examination area.
A Customs Officer will be assigned to examine the shipment against the documents presented by the importer/agent. If there are no discrepancies, a Customs Release will be generated.
A gate pass will be issued to the importer/agent by the port operator.