Successful clearance pilot phase ran from October 2022 to January 2023

Starting today, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is rolling out its new contactless clearance system.

The JCA announced in a press release issued today that importers of Non-Commercial Less than Container Load (LCL) Cargo have the option of using contactless clearance when clearing their cargo at all sea ports and marine public bonded warehouses. 

This new system is being implemented following a successful pilot phase, which ran from October 2022 to January 2023.

The pilot afforded non-commercial customers a more efficient, more hassle-free and less time-consuming avenue to clear their cargo while the JCA continues to fulfil its mandates of trade facilitation, border protection and revenue collection. According to the news release, the JCA having garnered feedback from freight forwarding agents and importers, Project Manager for the Contactless Clearance Process Kingsley Henry, highlighted some plans to be executed as the process is implemented.

“The JCA continues to work to improve the confidence that our customers have in the integrity of the clearance process by introducing body-worn cameras to officers who will be inspecting cargo under the Contactless Clearance Process,” he explained.  The Project Managefr stated that payment options will be increased in the near future to facilitate the full implementation of the process for all non-commercial importers.

Benefits of the Contactless Clearance Process 

The benefits of the Contactless Clearance Process do not only impact the Agency and its end customers but also the freight forwarding agents, the JCA emphasized. For his part, Carlos Ibar of Dennis Shipping admitted that during the pilot phase of the process, he experienced “faster processing times” and appreciated the “less hands-on work for freight forwarders.”

Continuing, he made the point that “the overall experience was pretty positive. With minor tweaks, it should be beneficial to all freight forwarders and customers alike.”

 The JCA is encouraging all non-commercial customers to take advantage of the Contactless Clearance Process and enjoy significantly less waiting, less hassle and less stress.

The JCA issued a reminder that a packing list with adequate details of the shipment should be shared with the respective agent for increased efficiency in completing an accurate customs declaration.