THE Jamaica Trade Board has rubbished claims that it is no longer approving special permits for 2015 cars or SUVs, under the registered taxi operator programme that ended on January 31, 2019.

According to the Trade Board, information being circulated regarding the non-approval of special permits for these vehicles is false.

The Incentive for Registered Taxi Operator Programme made provisions for the importation of motor vehicles no older than eight years.

In a release on Monday the Trade Board said although this programme ended, used car dealers with quotas are allowed to utilise their full allotment until the approved amount has been exhausted.

“Importantly, this programme was designed for use by registered taxi operators only. A permit application submitted via www.jswift.gov.jm that utilises this incentive must include documentary evidence that it is being sold to a legitimate taxi operator.

“The required documentary evidence that must be submitted along with an application to benefit from this incentive is a public passenger vehicle (PPV) licence,” said the Trade Board in its release.

It noted that ordinarily, the age limit for importation of a used car or SUV is six years as specified in the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, 2014.

“Also, it has come to our attention that a document is being circulated that bears the logo of AutoTerminal Japan (ATJ). This document falsely claims to outline updated policies regarding the importation of luxury vehicles, particularly vehicles originating from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, UK, or the USA.

“The Jamaica Trade Board wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this document is fraudulent and has absolutely no affiliation with the entity nor ATJ. The information contained therein is entirely fabricated and does not reflect our organisation’s policies or procedures in any way,” said the release.

The Trade Board declared that it remains committed to transparency, integrity and professionalism.

“We remain steadfast in providing accurate information to our valued customers and stakeholders. We urge our customers to verify information from credible sources before sharing it. Misinformation can have serious consequences, including eroding public trust, spreading confusion and undermining efforts to address important issues.

“The Jamaica Trade Board remains the primary, credible source of information relating to motor vehicle import policies and procedures. Customers are therefore encouraged to visit our website at
www.tradeboard.gov.jm or our social media pages for accurate information,” the release added.

The Jamaica Trade Board is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce whose mission is to efficiently support Jamaica’s economic development by contributing to an enabling ecosystem for trade growth and development, increased local and foreign investments, and sustained job creation.