The Jamaica Customs Agency is moving to address the delays being experienced in the clearance of goods by couriers and shipping companies.

In recent weeks, couriers and shipping companies have been complaining about delays in the clearance of goods. While acknowledging the delays, Jamaica Customs sought to reassure the public that its processes are operating optimally at all ports.

Jamaica Customs said agents who ship goods to Jamaica must follow the steps below for ultimate clearance:

• Step 1: Submit cargo manifest, to include breakdown manifests, via the Port Community System (PCS) to the JCA prior to arrival of vessel.
• Step 2: Determine whether a request will be made to move goods from the Port to a Public Bonded Warehouse or have goods examined on the Port.
• Step 3: Ensure container is offloaded, and cargo scanned at the Warehouse.
• Step 4: Create and submit the simplified IMS4 declaration and upload all supporting documents, to include invoices provided by the importer.
• Step 5: Pay the applicable Customs duties and fees for each declaration.
• Step 6: Arrange with the Warehouse for goods to be presented to Customs for inspection.
• Step 7: Customs Officer inspects the cargo.
• Step 8: Cargo is released to the Agent/importer if all requirements are met.

As Jamaica Customs works to protect Jamaica’s borders and its people, collect revenue on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and ultimately facilitate trade, the agency urged importers to assist by ascertaining from their agents if all the above-mentioned steps have been adhered to and whether all customs requirements have been met.

Jamaica Customs reiterated that it continues to improve its border protection initiatives for the benefit of all Jamaicans and, as such, has included enhanced non-intrusive inspections and physical examination of goods. This is based on the risk rating of the importer, the goods or the industry, intelligence or random selection.

“Importers should therefore allow for sufficient time for the clearance of their goods. Jamaica Customs is further urging all stakeholders to work with it to keep customers in focus while effectively fulfilling all mandates of the agency,” Jamaica Customs said.

The agency added that it was committed to its core values – Customer-Focused, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity and Transparency (CAPIT).

However, to achieve, the agency said it relies on members of the importing and exporting public to adhere to its requirements and provide accurate information to aid with efficient processing of cargo.