One of the key strategic priorities of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is to undertake the process of developing a new legislative framework which will serve to further promote future business opportunities for Jamaica, especially in the areas of shipping, logistics and international trade.

Currently the agency, in collaboration with its public and private sector stakeholders, is undertaking the process which will result in repealing and replacing the Customs Act, with a view to modernising it, in line with current trends and international best practices.

In revising the legislation, the agency has met with various stakeholders, to include recently hosting a stakeholders’ forum at its Newport East Office in Kingston, which looked at the Customs Legislative Reform Programme now underway.

This forum reviewed the main pillars of the Customs Legislative Reform Programme, and is one of the channels in which the JCA will use to engage its stakeholders.

Among other things, the new legislation will allow for the following:

* Introduction of modern terms in accordance with international best practices

* Modernisation of the Act using easily understood legislative language and structure

* Introduction of risk-based compliance and selectivity in Customs processing or treatment.

The legislative proposals were informed by the recommendations put forward by stakeholders over the last four years, and are intended to, among other objectives:

* Promote socio-economic development and assist with the creation of the conditions for economic growth

* Facilitate the efficient processing of Customs-related transactions

* Aid in protecting local businesses and the international supply chain from unfair international trading practices, smuggling of goods, under-invoicing, fraud and intellectual property rights infringement

* Encourage voluntary compliance with Customs laws and procedures

* Further support the implementation of ASYCUDA World

* Strengthen the enforcement powers of the Commissioner of Customs

* Strengthen the ability of the JCA to effectively protect Jamaica’s borders

* Aid the JCA in facilitating the processing of increased volumes of trade in an increasingly complex international trading environment

* Facilitate new business models and requirements, including e-commerce.