Jamaica Customs FAQ's

[ECO]

Jamaica Customs FAQ's

Q) What are my duty-free allowances and exemptions?

A) All passengers, 18 years and over, are allowed the following without payment of duty, provided they do not exceed the amount indicated, and the items are properly declared:

* Perfume ………………. 170 ml
* Eau de Toilettes …….. 340 ml
* Alcoholic beverages .. 1 litre
* Tobacco (sticks) …….200 cigarettes,50 cigars or 230 grams of processed tobacco

In addition, Jamaican residents, 18 years and over with a Jamaican passport, returning from a trip abroad, may bring with them, free of duty, personal and household effects, including gifts, which together are of a value not exceeding US$500 or the equivalent in Jamaican currency.

Q) Is it customary to charge duty on my personal items e.g. cameras and cellular phones, which I take with me on my trips abroad?

A)Customs can charge duty on these items if they exceed your duty free allowance, and there is no proof that these items were in your possession on your outbound journey. One way of providing this proof is by declaring these items to Customs Duty office at the airport proir to departure of your flight.

Q) Are there other items which require a permit prior to importation?

A)

Yes! Some of the more common ones are:

* firearm
* fireworks
* motor vehicles
* pharmaceuticals
* human remains and pesticides.

N.B. The list is not exhausted, and it is the responsibility of the importer to ascertain which goods are restricted and prohibited.

Q) Why am I charged duty on used clothing which my relatives send from abroad?

A) All items of clothing are dutiable, whether they are new or used. The duty charged is calculated on the total of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value for the items.

Q) How are duties determined by Customs?

A) Import duties are assessed on the cost of the goods imported plus additional charges for freight and insurance. It is therefore important that your invoice or ‘shop receipt’ is available for the examining Customs Officer to determine a fair value. However, there are some conditional allowances that are given to airline passengers.

Q) When do I need the services of a Customs Brokers?

A) All imported goods with a CIF value of US$5000 or more must be cleared by a licensed Customs Broker

Source: http://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/home_templa ... group_id=1