The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is observing International Customs Day on Friday, January 26, under the theme “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”.

International Customs Day is observed annually on January 26 to recognise the the important role of customs officials worldwide.

Customs agencies are critical for the facilitation of smooth cross-border trade, revenue generation, and to combat illegal trade.

An important agency of the state, the JCA is responsible for the equitable collection of revenue, protection of Jamaica’s borders against illicit imports and the facilitation of trade.

It carries out these functions through the following activities:

• Assessing and collecting customs duties, fees, and penalties due on imports;
• Interdicting and seizing contraband, including narcotics and illegal drugs;
• Processing passengers, baggage, cargo and mail;
• Detecting and apprehending persons engaged in fraudulent practices designed to circumvent Customs related laws;
• Protecting Jamaica’s industries, labour and intellectual property rights by enforcing Jamaica’s laws intended to prevent illegal trade practices, including provisions related to quotas; the Anti-Dumping Act; and by providing Customs Records for copyrights, patents, trademarks; and
• Protecting the general welfare and security of Jamaica by enforcing import and export restrictions and prohibitions, including money laundering.

All customs activities are governed by the Customs Act. In addition to its own laws, Customs enforces over 125 other provisions of law for other agencies, according to the agency’s website.