KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Customs Department has increased its fees to clear barrels as the Christmas season draws nearer.  

As of November 1, a new flat rate of $6, 500 will be applicable for all barrels with personal effects.

This is a $1,500 increase from the previous rate of J$5000 that was introduced in December 2009.

According to the Customs Department the increase results from a drop in the value of the Jamaica dollar against the US dollar since December 2009.

Personal effects refer to items for an individual or a household and the $6,500 charge would not be applicable to barrels that contain items in commercial quantities.

Meanwhile Customs is urging the public not to make a false declaration by stating that barrels with commercial quantities are personal effects as this is a breach of sections 209 and 210 of the Customs Act and will result in penalties being levied and possible forfeiture of goods.

In addition, effective November 1 duty payment in excess of $2million will not be accepted in cash. Customers with payments of J$2million and over are instead encouraged to utilise the department’s E-payment facility or pay via manager’s cheques.