AS the Christmas season fast approaches, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is reminding customers of its Express Cargo Clearance Procedure (ECCP) for the processing of personal shipments.

This initiative, introduced on October 29, 2018, facilitates a more simplified process for the clearance of personal shipments with a value (Cost, Insurance & Freight CIF) below US$5,000.00.

EXPRESS CARGO CLEARANCE PROCESS

Importers can authorise clearing agents (consolidators, freight forwarders or licensed customs brokers) to prepare, submit and pay for a Simplified Declaration (IMS4). The responsible clearing agents can now complete the entire Customs clearance formalities, including delivery of the cargo/goods to the consignee, upon request.

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS

Payment can be made at any Customs office, including any of the offices where the goods are physically located. To maintain efficiency, agents are encouraged to utilise the prepayment/advance deposit account facility.

BENEFITS OF ECCP

• Importers/consignees, declarants will spend significantly less time at the ports.

• A Simplified Declaration is submitted in advance to Customs, which results in speedier processing.

• Agents and customs brokers can pay immediately upon submission from their offices, using the ‘Advance Deposit’ payment option.

•Authorised agents or representatives can satisfy all Customs formalities, including paying duties and clearing shipments for their clients.

Importers or their representatives must verify that a Simplified Declaration is complete and accurate. Where declarations are found to be incomplete, erroneous, false, or in need of amendment, the normal Customs procedures and requirements will apply.

The JCA remains committed to its mandate of trade facilitation and continue to improve its business processes, in an effort to optimise efficiency and enhance client services.

For further information on Express Cargo Clearance, kindly contact the JCA’s ‘Help Desk’ at e-mail: awinfo@jacustoms.gov.jm; Live Chat @ www.jacustoms.gov.jm; Telephone: 876-922-5140-8 extensions: 3030, 3126, 3127, 3133 or 876-750-3030.