The Jamaica Trade Board is advising the general public of false information being circulated regarding the non-approval of special permits for 2015 cars or SUVs, under the registered taxi operator programme that ended January-end 2019. 

According to the trade board, although the Incentive for Registered Taxi Operator Programme ended over five years ago, used car dealers with quotas are allowed to utilise their full allotment until the approved amount has been exhausted.

The programme initially made provisions for the importation of motor vehicles no older than eight years.

“Importantly, this programme was designed for use by registered taxi operators only. A permit application submitted via www.jswift.gov.jm that utilises this incentive must include documentary evidence that it is being sold to a legitimate taxi operator. The required documentary evidence that must be submitted along with an application to benefit from this incentive is a public passenger vehicle (PPV) licence,” the board said.

“The Jamaica Trade Board wishes to remind the public that, ordinarily, the age limit for importation of a used car or SUV is six years. Please note that the Jamaica Trade Board is guided by the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, 2014,” it added.

The trade board also noted the existence of widely circulated a document that bears the logo of AutoTerminal Japan (ATJ). Labelling the document as misleading, the organisation indicated that it falsely claims to outline updated policies regarding the importation of luxury vehicles, particularly those originating from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, the UK or US.

“The Jamaica Trade Board wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this document is fraudulent and has absolutely no affiliation with the entity nor ATJ. The information contained therein is entirely fabricated and does not reflect our organization’s policies or procedures in any way,” the statement read.

“The Jamaica Trade Board remains committed to transparency, integrity and professionalism. We remain steadfast in providing accurate information to our valued customers and stakeholders. We urge our customers to verify information from credible sources before sharing it. Misinformation can have serious consequences, including eroding public trust, spreading confusion and undermining efforts to address important issues. The Jamaica Trade Board remains the primary, credible source of information relating to motor vehicle import policies and procedure,” the trade board added.