Jamaica Customs eases clearance process for new vehicles imported by authorised dealers

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has adjusted its clearance system for new vehicles imported into Jamaica by authorised new car dealers.

Currently, these vehicles are required to undergo mandatory verification before they can be removed from the port.

Under the new arrangement, imported vehicles will undergo post-clearance verification and will be released immediately.

The JCA said the change follows an ongoing assessment of new motor vehicles imported by authorised dealers, which determined that they are low-risk imports.

The change takes effect on Monday, June 22.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, said the move is part of the Government's productivity agenda aimed at increasing efficiency.

"This initiative reflects the Government's commitment to improving efficiency, productivity and the ease of doing business in Jamaica," Williams said.

She added that the enhanced measure will accelerate the clearance process and create a more reliable environment for legitimate businesses in the sector to operate and grow.

"This is one part of a broader public sector modernisation agenda," she said, noting that the Government will continue reviewing operating procedures and services to identify opportunities to simplify processes and increase efficiency.

Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of Customs, Kirk Benjamin, said the previous system added unnecessary time and cost to a category of imports that carries minimal risk.

"For years, new motor vehicles imported by authorised dealers had to be physically verified before they could leave the port. This change will reduce time, cost and congestion at our ports of entry," Benjamin said.

He stressed that the change is an expansion of the agency's Trade Facilitation Programme rather than a one-off adjustment.

"These vehicles come from a small group of authorised dealers, in high volumes, with a high level of compliance, and they present a very low-risk profile. That combination makes them an ideal fit for post-clearance verification," Benjamin said.

He added that resources previously assigned to physical inspections can now be redirected to other areas.

The Jamaica Customs Agency said it will continue reviewing procedures across its operations to identify further opportunities to streamline processing, reduce administrative burdens, and support a more efficient trading environment for the business community.

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