KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) says it is working to improve clearance time at ports as the Christmas season approaches.

The disclosure was made following a meeting the JCA said it convened with the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and the Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL), to explore 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.

JCA said the meeting also addressed several issues pertaining to 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.

Moving forward, the agency said the parties also 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.