THE JAMAICA Customs Department has implemented several measures to accommodate the increased activity during the Yuletide season, including an increase in the number of line officers at seaports and airports in Kingston and Montego Bay as well as the redeployment of other staff where necessary.
Customs will also have extended opening hours at the airport and cashiers are slated to work through the lunch hour at some ports, while there will be a staggered lunch hour at other locations. Cashiers at Customs House are now working one hour earlier.
At the same time, Kingston Wharves Limited will open its doors to customers from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday of December 15 and 22. KWL will also be recruiting temporary workers to ensure speedier processing for importers.
TIPS TO AVOID DELAYS
Passengers should complete Passenger Declaration Form C5 before arrival
Declare unaccompanied baggage to the Customs Officer
Ensure that permits from the Ministry of Agriculture are obtained before importing any meat product
Firecrackers, fireworks, toy guns are restricted items under the Trade Act
Be aware of contents of packages - prepare packing list before hand
Representatives clearing goods must have a letter of authorisation from the Importer
Importers/Brokers are encouraged to use the Pre-Arrival Processing System
Only Customs Cashiers are authorised to collect Customs duties
Allow sufficient time for
processing.
