Durrant Pate/ Contributor

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced a change to its permit process for pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other health-related consumer durables, effective Monday, November 4.

As of this date, all applications for permits related to pharmaceuticals, herbal products, precursor drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, human tissue and other regulated commodities must now be submitted through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) platform. 

This change will result in faster processing, decreased costs, transparency and greater trader compliance. JSWIFT serves as an electronic platform, which allows traders to submit transactional information through a single access point. The portal provides services to support the regulatory requirements for cross-border trade in Jamaica.

Traders will electronically submit applications for licences, permits, certificates and other regulatory requirements (LPCO), to facilitate processing by requisite cross-border regulatory agencies (CBRAs) and participating government agencies (PGAs).

JSWIFT utilizes automated system processes that promote efficiency in the cross-border trade regulatory services provided by the government. Reducing paper-based and manual transactions, fosters an environment that incorporates best practice, improves trade standards and the accelerated release of commodities.