Customs reveals plans to improve goods clearance before Christmas

Customs reveals plans to improve goods clearance before Christmas

October 26, 2018 0 By Horace Mills

The Jamaica Customs Agency said plans are afoot to improve services regarding the clearance of goods at the island’s main port ahead of the Christmas season.

It, in a press statement, said Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited has agreed to make additional bays available for the inspection of containers.

It also promised to address problems regarding communication, clearance time and container examination.

Here is the full statement as received from the Jamaica Customs Agency:

In an effort to improve operational efficiency, including clearance time at the Port of Kingston, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), on Monday, October 22, 2018, convened a meeting with key players involved in the importation of goods, as part of efforts to enhance service delivery at the port.

The meeting convened, involved the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica (CBFFAJ), the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), and explored strategies that would be used to reduce the delays at KFTL, which were being experienced by importers and Customs Brokers in clearing domestic containerised shipments, since mid-September.

The meeting addressed several issues, including delays in obtaining container examination appointments, having faster container positioning for Customs inspection at the Port after completing all other Customs processes, as well as addressing other issues affecting efficiency and productivity on the Port.

The parties also agreed to improve communication and facilitate better port coordination, with the KFTL committing to providing additional bays for the inspection of containers and also making operational changes in areas which negatively impact clearance time and container examination.

Moving forward, the parties have agreed to ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved speedily, in order that the importing public benefits from increased efficiencies and improved release times for the approaching Christmas Season, and beyond.


WE also do obituaries, advertisement, and special coverage of funerals, birthday parties, weddings, and other milestones. Call or WhatsApp us at 876-305-4574 or emaail us at jamaicabeaconnews@gmail.com.