KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is collaborating with Jamaica Customs to complete the export component of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JWIFT) for implementation in the upcoming fiscal year.

Minister of State Franklin Witter, in a speech read by Chief Technical Director in the ministry, Orville Palmer, said that the export platform is almost complete.

“The export Single Window platform has been developed and is now at 90 per cent ready for implementation. However, before we make the system live, we will conduct a series of trials to ensure its effectiveness. The ministry is collaborating with the Jamaica Customs Single Window entry team to have this platform up and running in 2024/25,” he said.

He was addressing the Fresh Produce Exporters Forum on Monday at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew.

JSWIFT provides a web-based portal for access to services in support of cross-border trade in Jamaica.

This export system is designed to facilitate the Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) branch’s import and export business processes by providing a paperless service within a single trade mechanism, resulting in improved cost savings. The import process was the first to be implemented in 2021.

It will enable clients to submit applications prior to visiting export complexes and the production of phytosanitary and fumigation certificates, which will allow all exporters to download and print their own documents from the comfort of their offices or homes.

PQPI is Jamaica’s first line of defence against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases.

The branch is mandated to ensure that only the highest quality, pest-free cut flowers and fresh produce are exported from and imported into the island.

Since 2020, the PQPI branch has been taking steps to transform its phytosanitary certification into a paperless, web-based operation to benefit all commercial and non-commercial exporters.

Witter said that this will reduce processing time and improve communication with international trading partners by providing advanced notification of shipments.

-JIS