Effective Monday, June 22, new motor vehicles imported into Jamaica by authorised dealers will no longer be subject to mandatory pre-release verification by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).
Under the revised system, vehicles will be released immediately after clearance and undergo post-clearance verification instead.
The JCA has disclosed that the change follows an assessment, which found that new vehicles imported by authorised dealers are low-risk shipments with a strong history of compliance.
Minister of Finance & The Public Service Fayval Williams explained that the measure forms part of the Government’s productivity agenda and broader efforts to improve efficiency and the ease of doing business.
According to Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of Customs, Kirk Benjamin the previous system added unnecessary time and cost to a category of imports that presents minimal risk.He said the move is expected to reduce delays, lower costs and ease congestion at the ports, while allowing customs personnel to focus on higher-risk areas.
The JCA has pledged to continue reviewing its procedures to identify additional opportunities to streamline operations and support a more efficient trading environment.