COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, SCIENCE & EDUCATION

REGISTRY DEPARTMENT

COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT

COVER SHEET
CAMPUS: MAIN: CASE  OFFSITE:

STUDENT NAME: Bailey, Alex

STUDENT ID NUMBER: 1600126-GA
PROGRAMME: BTECH- FOODS
YEAR GROUP: 4
COURSE NAME: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
COURSE CODE: IMKT4101
LECTURER: Mr. Jairzenho Bailey
DUE DATE: Nov. 30. 2020 DATE SUBMITTED: Nov. 29 .2020

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the failure to properly acknowledge the use of another person’s work, or submitting
for assessment, material that is not a student’s own work. This is a form of academic misconduct
and is a serious offence which can lead to severe penalties, up to and including expulsion
(depending on the severity of the case). Please see your CASE student handbook for further
information.
Declaration of Authorship and authorization to verify that it is original:
I ALEX BAILEY certify that the attached work is my own and that all material which is not my own has
been appropriately cited and referenced.

Sign by student:

Date: November 29. 2020

 P.O. Box 170, Port Antonio, Portland; Tel: 993-5727 • Fax: 993-5546; Website:
www.case.edu.jm

Assignment: Import/Export Manual Jamaica

This Minor Assignment is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

Course International Marketing (IMKT 4101); with regards to reading for the attainment of a

Bachelor of Technology in Agricultural Production and Food Systems Management (BTech.

Foods)

Submitted by:

CWG # 1

Bailey, Alex (ID#1600126-GA)

Submitted to:

Mr. Jairzenho Bailey, Lecturer

Course International Marketing (IMKT 4101)//AY: 2020/21; Semester 1

November 30, 2020

 IMPORT/EXPORT MANUAL JAMAICA

CWG # 1

Bailey, Alex (ID#1600126-GA)

This MINOR Assignment is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

Course International Market (IMKT4101); with regards to reading for the attainment of a

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Agriculture Production and Food System Management

Mr. Jairzenho Bailey, Lecturer

Course International Market (IMKT4101); //AY: 2019/20; Semester 3

College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)

Passley Gardens, Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica, West Indies

November 30, 2020

 Executive Summary
This manual is provided and explained the procedure to be followed for importing and exporting goods
into out of Jamaica. It will outline step to step to followed in order to comply with the numerous statutory
requirements of the various government department which exercise control over the movement of goods
through the various ports of entry.
 Table of Contents
PAGE #
List of Table ……………………………………………………………………….
Organization of Document ………………………………………………………...
GENERAL Commodities
1. Situational analysis

Institutional framework for trade …………………………………………………………. 1-2

International (bilateral and multilateral) trade agreements ………………………………... 2-9

Jamaica’s Historical Trade deficit review (All ASYCUA Commodities) ……....... 10 -12

US Trade Deficit review (Specific Commodities) ……………………………....... 12 - 14

Jamaica’s Historical Trade deficit review (Specific Commodities) ……………… 14

2. Jamaica’s trade measures and facilitation: requirements for exports

Items requiring license for export ………………………………………………………… 15

Obtaining an export license ………………………………………………………….......... 15- 17

Export procedures for clearance and shipping from Jamaican ports ……………………… 17- 19

Taxes duties and fees applied to exports and example computing associated costs ………

3. Jamaica’s trade measures and facilitation: requirements for imports

Items requiring license for import …………………………………………………………. 19

Obtaining an import license ………………………………………………………………... 19 - 20

Import procedures for clearance and receiving at Jamaican ports ……………………....... 20 -21

Taxes duties and fees applied to imports and example computing associated costs …....... 23

SPECIFIC Commodities
1. Situational analysis

Institutional framework for trade …………………………………………………………. 24

International (bilateral and multilateral) trade agreements ………………………………... 24

2. Jamaica’s trade measures and facilitation: requirements for exports

Items requiring license for export ………………………………………………………… 24

Obtaining an export license ………………………………………………………….......... 24

Export procedures for clearance and shipping from Jamaican ports ……………………… 24

Taxes duties and fees applied to exports and example computing associated costs ……… 24

3. Jamaica’s trade measures and facilitation: requirements for imports

Items requiring license for import …………………………………………………………. 24

Obtaining an import license ………………………………………………………………... 24

Import procedures for clearance and receiving at Jamaican ports ……………………....... 24

Taxes duties and fees applied to imports and example computing associated costs …....... 24

References ………………………………………………………………………………... 25
 List of Tables
PAGE #
TABLE 1 …………………………………………………………………... 10- 11
TABLE 2 …………………………………………………………………… 12- 13
TABLE 3 …………………………………………………………………… 14
TABLE 4 ……………………………………………………………………. 14
TABLE 5 ……………………………………………………………………. 15
TABLE 6 ……………………………………………………………………. 17 -19
 Organization of the Document
This Document consist of Twelve (12) components of Import/ Export Manual included a General
Commodity follow up by a Specific commodity.

Starting of the Manual (Preambles) this includes executive summary, table of content and list of
tables.

First Components (Situational Analysis) includes (Sub-Heading) Institutional Framework for

trade, Jamaica Historical Trade deficit review (All ASYCUDA commodities), US trade Deficit
review, Jamaica Historical Trade deficit (Specific commodities).

Second Components (Jamaica’s trade measures and facilitation: requirements for export) Sub-
heading includes: Items require license for export, obtaining an export license, Exporting
procedures for clearance and shipping, taxes duties and fees applied to exports.

Third Components (Jamaica trade measures and facilitation: requirements for import) Sub-
heading includes: Items require license for import, obtaining an import license, Importing
procedures for clearance and shipping, taxes duties and fees applied to exports.

References: includes sources from which information was taken to complete this manual.
1|Page

1. Situation Analysis

a. Institutional Framework for Trade: Source from Jairzenho Bailey Class Handout
IMKT 20S1_W7C7CH13

The formulation and coordination of Jamaica’s foreign trade policy remains mainly under
the authority of MFAFT, which coordinates trade policy matters and is responsible for
bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade and investment negotiations. Other ministries
that are involved in trade-related activities and thus collaborate with MFAFT to design
and implement trade strategies and policies include but are not limited to the:
Ministries:
 Ministry of Defense, Economic Growth and Job Creation
 Ministry of Transport and Mining
 Ministry of Tourism
 Ministry of National Security
 Ministry of Local Government and Community Development
 Ministry of Labour and Social Security
 Ministry of Justice
 Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries
 Ministry of Health
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
 Ministry of Finance and the Public Service
 Ministry of Entertainment, Sports, Culture and Gender Affairs
 Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology
2|Page

 Ministry of Education Youth and Information

 Attorney General

Some trade-related private sector organizations are the:

 Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).

 Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMA) = Successor to and merger
Jamaica Manufacturers and Jamaica Exporters Associations.
 Jamaica Chambers of Commerce (JCC).
 Jamaica Cocoa Farmers Association
 All Island Banana Growers Association

FOREIGN TRADE POLICY1 Given the importance of trade to the Jamaican economy, the country’s
Foreign Trade Policy has been centered on maintaining and securing markets for its exports of goods
and services under the most favorable terms at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. From
1962 to 1994, the focus was on trade in goods and, within the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade
(GATT) and the United Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the emphasis was on
securing development-oriented non-reciprocal trading arrangements, such as the Generalized System
of Preferences (GSP). Within this period similar arrangements, such as the ACP/EC Lomé
Conventions, were secured with trading partners from developed countries. Jamaica also prioritized
regional integration through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Since 1994, with the adoption
of the WTO General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), trade has involved both goods and
services. Jamaica has maintained its emphasis on development in the WTO Doha Round negotiations
and in negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas and the ACP (CARIFORUM)/EU regional
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Jamaica also supported deepening of regional integration to
establish the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). This trade policy agenda has been
influenced by global trade and economic developments through the decades.

a. International (bilateral and Multilateral) trade agreement Source on Trade Board Ltd
MULTILATER TARDE AGREEMENT:
1.
3|Page

World Trade Organization (WTO)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international
organization based in Geneva, Switzerland whose main
objectives are the progressive liberalization and
regulation of international trade among its Members. The
WTO superseded the General Agreement on Tariffs and
Trade (GATT) which was established in 1947. The WTO
establishes the foundation rules of international trade. It
actually formulates international trade policy. It also provides a forum for negotiating and
formalizing trade agreements leading to the further liberalization of international trade through
periodic multilateral trade negotiations. The current Round of negotiations (the Doha Round)
commenced in 2001 and is yet to be concluded. The WTO also provides mechanisms for
reviewing trade policy and settling trade disputes. Both mechanisms are aimed at ensuring that
Members adhere to WTO rules. The WTO was established on 1 January 1995 under the
Marrakech Agreement and currently has 160 Members. Jamaica became a Member on 1st March
1995.

Trade in the WTO takes place in accordance with four key principles:
(1) Most Favored Nation (MFN), which requires that a Member accord the same level of
treatment (non-discrimination) to all other Members;
(2) National Treatment, which requires each Member to treat imports no less favorably than it
treats domestically produced goods.
(3) Transparency, which ensures that trade information is readily available, and
(4) Reciprocity, which requires that benefits accrue to all parties.
The schedules represent the commitment not to raise the applied tariffs above the MFN bound
rates. Some of the multilateral agreements governing trade in goods include:
 The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) - establishes the rules related to
trade in goods; The Agreement on Agriculture which deals with market access, domestic
support, and export competition for agricultural products;
 The Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) which concerns the
application of food safety, animal and plant health measures by governments which may,
directly or indirectly, affect international trade;
4|Page

 The Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (the TBT Agreement) which regulates a
country’s right to adopt technical regulations and standards, as long as they do not
constitute unnecessary barriers to trade;
 The Agreement on Antidumping Practices which provides disciplines for the application
of anti-dumping measures in case dumped imports are causing or threatening to cause
material injury to the domestic industry of like products; and
 The Agreement on Safeguards, which allows WTO members to restrict imports of a
product temporarily if the domestic industry is injured or threatened with injury caused
by a surge in imports.

2. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

The GSP is a system whereby developed countries grant preferential treatment to eligible
products imported from developing countries. The preference-granting country is also known as
the donor and the preference receiving country as the beneficiary. The GSP is an officially
agreed exception to the WTO MFN principle. The GSP was adopted at the second United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1968 and granted a permanent
GATT MFN waiver in 1979 (Tokyo Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations). The intent of the
GSP was to assist developing countries to further integrate into the global trading system by
offering access to developed markets on preferential duty terms The donor countries grant, not
necessarily duty-free access, but reduced duties i.e. lower than the MFN rates.

For Jamaica, which are the GSP Donor Countries? Australia Belarus Japan New Zealand
Norway Russian Federation Switzerland

3. The US Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)

The CBI, which is the Caribbean Basin Economic

Recovery Act (CBERA), was created in 1983 and
upgraded in 1990. It is of indefinite duration. In 2000,
the CBERA was further enhanced through the
enactment of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act
(CBTPA) providing for additional preferential access
5|Page

for Caribbean Basin products until 30 September 2020. In 2012, 45.1 per cent of Jamaica’s
exports to the USA entered duty-free under CBERA. Whilst the duration of CBERA is
indefinite, as a non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangement, it is incompatible with WTO
rules on non-discrimination and, thus, requires a waiver from the WTO Most Favoured
Nation (non-discrimination) rule. The most recent MFN waiver expired in 2014. There has
been preliminary approval for a new waiver from the WTO up to 2019. Beneficiaries of
CBERA must also meet conditions established by the US Government.

4. The Caribbean/Canada Free Trade Agreement (CARIBCAN)

Created in 1986, CARIBCAN is a

nonreciprocal agreement, which allows all
Commonwealth Caribbean countries to export
goods duty free to Canada, with a few
exceptions. Approximately 6 per cent of
Jamaica’s exports to Canada now enter duty
free under this arrangement. Like CBERA, as
a non-reciprocal preferential trade
arrangement, CARIBCAN is incompatible with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO)
rules on non-discrimination and, therefore, requires a waiver from the Most Favoured Nation
(non-discrimination) rule. The last waiver expired on 31st December 2013. It is anticipated
that the CARIBCAN Agreement will ultimately be replaced by a reciprocal Free Trade
Agreement between CARICOM Member States and Canada which is currently under
negotiation. Canada has requested a new waiver for CARIBCAN up to 2023 at the WTO.

5. CARICOM Single Market (CSM)

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM),

established by the 1973 Treaty of
Chaguaramas, created a customs union and
later introduced a Common External Tariff
(CET) in 1992. Under the 2001 Revised
6|Page

Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),
the regional arrangement was further deepened to facilitate the free movement of goods,
services, labour and capital, as well as the right to commercially establish businesses
throughout the Community. Currently, only the CARICOM Single Market is operational.
The Treaty also provides for the implementation of a common trade policy.

Members of the CSME are: Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Belize Dominica Grenada
Guyana Haiti Jamaica St. Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname

6. CARIFORUM(CF)/EU Economic Partnership Agreement

(EPA) The CF/EU EPA is a region-to-region trade and development agreement. Jamaica
signed the EPA on 15 October 2008, and the agreement has been provisionally applied since
29 December 2008. However, Jamaica has not yet formally ratified it. Jamaica began
implementing the phased reduction of duties on goods imported from the EU as of 1 January
2011. The application and scope of the EPA are more comprehensive compared to previous
trade agreements. It covers trade in goods and services as well as trade-related measures,
such as government procurement, competition policy, intellectual property, environment,
social issues and protection of personal data.

Goods coverage: The EPA provides for immediate duty-free, quota free access to the EU
market for the export of goods, excluding arms and munitions, as well as out-of-quota sugar
exports, with the latter’s full liberalization expected in 2015. It also allows for trade in
services according to the schedules of commitments of participating countries.

7. The Petro Caribe Trade Compensation Mechanism

Jamaica and Venezuela signed the Petro Caribe Bilateral Agreement on 23rd August 2005, to
facilitate energy security and the promotion of economic and social development. The
agreement contains a trade compensation mechanism which enables Jamaica to export goods
and services to Venezuela under special terms, conditions and procedures.

BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENT:

7|Page

8. CARICOM-Colombia Trade, Economic and Technical Co-operation Agreement

This is a Partial Scope Agreement, which was signed on 24 July 1994 and entered into force
on 1 June 1995. The Agreement provides for the More Developed Countries (MDCs) of
CARICOM, such as Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, to introduce a
Programme to eliminate or reduce tariffs on an agreed list of products of export interest to
Colombia, commencing at the beginning of the fourth year (1999) after the entry into force of
the Agreement. CARICOM Less Developed Countries, such as the OECS and Belize, are not
required to grant tariff concessions (reduce duties) on imports from Colombia. This
Agreement has not been very active and is also focused on the trade in goods, while
providing a framework for future collaboration among contracting parties in the areas of
services and investment.

Rules of Origin/Cumulation: The CARICOM-Colombia Agreement maintains the general

requirement for a change of customs classification heading, where this involves a process of
substantial transformation of a product, in order for goods to be deemed originating in a
CARICOM Member State.

9. CARICOM-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement

This Agreement was signed on the 9th of March 2004 and covers trade in goods. It
provides for further negotiations in the areas of Competition Policy, Government
Procurement, Double Taxation and the Trade in Services. The FTA is based on
reciprocity with the five More Developed Countries of CARICOM and non-reciprocity
for CARICOM Less Developed Countries (LDCs). The Agreement is now being applied
by Jamaica.

Goods coverage: The coverage for goods varies. All exports from Jamaica to Costa Rica
are immediately liberalized, except for a select list of excluded items (see Product Index).
Certain items benefit from phased reduction of duties on a tariff line specific basis, in
some cases over a period of one year.

10. CARICOM-Venezuela Trade and Investment Agreement

8|Page

This Partial Scope Agreement was signed on 13 October 1992, and entered into force on
1 January 2000. It is primarily focused on the trade in goods, but provides a framework
for the parties to work together for the promotion of services and investment, and double
taxation agreements. Under this Agreement, specified goods originating in all signatory
CARICOM Member States are eligible for one-way duty-free access to the Venezuelan
market. In this regard, the Agreement does not make a distinction between CARICOM
MDCs and LDCs. The Agreement, however, has been fairly dormant as there have been
varied technical problems affecting its implementation.

11. CARICOM-Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

This Agreement was signed in July 2000.  The Agreement is only reciprocal for
CARICOM MDCs. The Agreement, in addition to focusing on the trade in goods, also
outlines an agreed timetable for negotiating a trade in services regime, the reciprocal
promotion and protection of investments, and government procurement. The Agreement
is now being applied by Jamaica.

12. CARICOM/ Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement

This Free Trade Agreement was signed on the 22nd of August 1998 and provisionally
entered into force in December 2001, following the signing of the Framework
Agreement, together with the Protocol implementing the Agreement on 28th April, 2000. 
The FTA is based on reciprocity with the five More Developed Countries of CARICOM
(MDCs), which includes Jamaica.  Jamaica is now applying the Agreement.

Goods coverage:  The Protocol provides for duty-free trade for about ninety percent of
the goods traded between n the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. For those products not
eligible for duty free treatment, the Protocol provides for phased reduction of duties by
2004, and the Most Favorable Nation Treatment for the remainder.  Essentially, therefore,
all goods can be imported into the DR duty free or benefit from the phased reduction of
tariffs to zero, with the exception of certain goods for which MFN duties will apply.
Some special agricultural products will also have their MFN tariffs re-imposed during
pre-specified months of each year (seasonal application). CARICOM products covered
9|Page

by the Region’s Oils and Fats Agreement will continue to be protected and will not be
subject to free trade.
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b. Jamaica’s Historical Trade deficit review (All ASYCUA Commodities) Source on Statistical Institute of Jamaica
TABLE 1: SHOWING EXPORTATION OF COMMODITIES BY JAMAICA WITHIN THE PAST YEARS

Commodities 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

153,347,81 140,427,81 136,727,13 165,247,49 245,835,86 204,090,68
Total Domestic Exports 7 7 6 2 5 5
168,787,50 120,885,65
Total Traditional Exports 87,170,170 89,424,220 78,416,600 94,284,687 9 5
Agriculture: 2,073,506 3,217,760 4,140,962 3,022,112 2,424,462 2,150,459
Banana 19,982 30,301 44,798 60,642 81,287 76,992
Citrus 189,078 161,402 223,770 150,085 121,311 108,141
Coffee 1,491,459 2,681,465 3,442,633 2,488,597 1,918,528 1,597,516
Cocoa 113,553 63,474 112,355 55,025 56,913 60,809
Pimento 259,434 281,119 317,406 267,761 246,422 307,001
157,775,04 109,234,52
Mining and Quarrying: 73,529,336 75,092,257 67,149,432 83,515,064 1 9
Bauxite 14,613,405 14,417,278 11,481,965 10,692,153 12,890,596 12,001,363
144,884,44
Alumina 58,915,931 60,674,979 55,667,468 72,822,911 5 97,233,166
Gypsum 0 0 0 0 0 0
Manufacture: 11,567,328 11,114,203 7,126,205 7,747,512 8,588,006 9,500,667
Sugar 6,140,330 6,239,420 1,747,107 1,851,527 2,126,338 1,355,513
Rum 4,977,941 4,458,003 4,956,255 5,259,180 5,929,464 7,471,046
Citrus products 28,013 25,179 31,143 13,149 12,350 27,747
Coffee products 313,198 323,286 324,376 526,258 449,226 561,632
Cocoa products 107,846 68,314 67,325 97,399 70,626 84,728
Total Non-Traditional Exports 66,177,647 51,003,597 58,310,536 70,962,805 77,048,356 83,205,030
Food: 16,269,366 16,065,733 21,263,029 23,183,540 22,744,538 24,657,421
Pumpkins 50,944 42,547 30,542 32,980 31,110 42,279
11 | P a g e

Other Vegetables & Preparations

thereof 246,111 261,825 311,516 342,021 363,612 382,726
Dasheen 153,913 119,835 180,988 191,277 240,964 247,598
Sweet Potatoes 289,978 315,761 384,176 426,730 412,141 509,439
Yams 2,462,059 2,543,877 3,222,046 3,772,424 3,816,750 4,026,879
Papayas 417,288 494,550 553,040 561,444 493,923 265,156
Ackee 1,327,664 1,741,618 2,634,939 2,032,581 2,028,270 2,725,334
Other Fruits & Fruit Preparations 626,280 501,820 738,234 784,432 902,684 790,826
Meat & Meat Preparations 522,997 596,214 853,160 971,321 1,057,355 1,159,960
Dairy Products & Bird's Eggs 655,128 760,305 973,448 995,845 1,063,396 1,112,522
Fish Crustaceans & Molluscs 1,379,241 1,316,595 1,475,074 1,645,588 1,187,903 1,194,813
Breads Biscuits Buns Cakes etc. 1,503,624 1,228,642 1,899,926 2,422,886 2,471,532 2,966,320
Juices excluding Citrus 757,888 742,312 1,132,026 1,172,340 1,299,800 1,361,259
Animal Feed 1,206,072 1,404,717 1,321,282 1,284,583 1,124,771 1,063,788
Sauces 1,716,884 1,607,736 2,410,978 2,513,248 2,626,086 3,207,584
Malt Extract & Preparations thereof 409,917 825 4,755 1,009 0 0
Other Food Exports 2,543,379 2,386,554 3,136,900 4,032,830 3,624,243 3,600,937
BEVERAGES & TOBACCO (Excl. Rum) 3,932,223 3,426,904 6,194,401 8,969,234 8,551,351 9,609,986
Non - Alcoholic Beverages 986,917 806,344 1,506,958 2,032,237 2,054,705 2,306,430
Alcoholic Beverages (excl. Rum) 2,944,484 2,599,973 4,680,293 6,916,862 6,496,591 7,302,994
Tobacco 823 20,588 7,150 20,134 55 562
Crude Materials: 4,364,365 2,344,261 2,521,819 3,125,106 2,996,400 2,623,522
Limestone 318,348 381,554 439,509 491,584 431,255 479,147
Waste and Scrap Metals 3,750,458 1,432,610 1,423,507 1,911,049 1,905,381 1,544,556
Other 295,559 530,097 658,803 722,472 659,763 599,819
Other: 41,611,692 29,166,699 28,331,287 35,684,925 42,756,068 46,314,101
Mineral Fuels etcetera 33,443,382 22,703,454 21,733,962 29,789,033 35,860,950 39,528,316
Animal & Vegetable Oils & Fats 30,459 32,289 34,150 37,703 44,727 40,136
Chemicals (incl. Ethanol) 2,512,885 2,608,252 3,216,658 3,118,850 4,967,910 4,361,466
Manufactured Goods 4,264,650 2,840,924 1,971,919 1,482,813 815,220 1,136,526
Machinery & Transport Equipment 271,110 243,970 379,035 323,494 233,438 423,539
12 | P a g e

Wearing Apparel 152,639 109,300 208,201 253,765 214,811 221,217

Furniture 60,951 127,212 102,430 92,842 76,748 105,247
Other Domestic Exports 875,616 501,299 684,931 586,425 542,264 497,656

c. US Trade Deficit review (Specific Commodities) 2019 Source on USDA Website

TABLE 2: SHOWING US AGRICULTURAL EXPORT WITHIN 2018-2019
U.S. agricultural imports, year-to-date and current months        
Sep. Oct. Change Jan.-Oct. Change
Item 2019 2019 Sep.-Oct. 2018 2019 2018-19
Million dollars Percent Million dollars Percent

Agricultural imports
Imports (c.i.f.) 1/ 10,556 11,423 8 112,889 115,171 2
Imports (customs value) 10,079 10,918 8 107,753 109,980 2

Customs value
Live animals 180 263 46 2,045 2,253 10
Red meats & products 700 751 7 7,379 7,653 4
Beef & veal 479 493 3 4,798 5,021 5
Pork 117 133 14 1,348 1,245 -8
Dairy products 277 286 3 2,430 2,624 8
Cheese 145 140 -4 1,045 1,113 7
Grains & feeds 1,221 1,359 11 11,315 11,650 3
Grain products 895 981 10 7,666 8,268 8
Oilseeds & products 641 727 14 7,826 7,127 -9
Vegetable oils 484 552 14 6,017 5,329 -11
Fruits & preparations 1,231 1,320 7 14,628 15,318 5
Fruits, fresh or frozen 962 1,053 9 11,887 12,733 7
Fruits, prepared or preserved 268 268 0 2,742 2,585 -6
Fruit juices 170 154 -10 1,824 1,769 -3
Vegetables & preparations 1,090 1,266 16 11,915 12,480 5
Vegetables, fresh or frozen 792 931 18 8,808 9,382 7
13 | P a g e

Vegetables, prepared or preserved 278 314 13 2,872 2,895 1

Tree nuts & preparations 264 278 6 2,859 2,605 -9
Cotton & linters 0 0 -- 4 1 -60
Wine 502 624 24 5,308 5,428 2
Malt beverages 449 485 8 4,589 4,846 6
Essential oils 244 244 0 2,615 2,413 -8
Cut flowers & nursery stock 157 171 9 1,748 1,871 7
Sugar & related products 349 438 26 3,992 3,895 -2
Confections 162 177 9 1,596 1,612 1
Cocoa & products 414 446 8 3,954 4,219 7
Coffee & products 482 472 -2 5,089 5,166 2
Rubber, natural 127 114 -11 1,331 1,276 -4

Volume Thousand metric tons Percent Thousand metric tons Percent

Wine 2/ 96 112 17 999 1,061 6

Malt beverages 2/ 337 362 7 3,584 3,677 3
Cattle & calves 110 166 50 1,496 1,626 9
Beef & veal 81 82 2 871 876 0
Dairy products 32 31 -2 244 264 8
Processed grains, ex. feed 276 376 36 2,914 3,210 10
Fruits, fresh or frozen 931 960 3 11,048 11,051 0
Fruits, prepared or preserved 131 134 3 1,413 1,287 -9
Vegetables, fresh or frozen 705 835 18 8,152 8,354 2
Vegetable oils 441 511 16 4,670 4,730 1
Sugar & related products 292 406 39 3,638 3,574 -2
Cocoa & products 103 107 4 1,166 1,196 3
Coffee & products 138 128 -7 1,366 1,498 10
Preliminary data. 1/ c.i.f.= cost, insurance, and freight. 2/ Thousand hectoliters.
Sources: USDA, Economic Research Service summary of data released by U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau,
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TABLE 3: SHOWING JAMAICA TRADE BETWEEN THE U.S.A FROM 2014-2018

B. Jamaica’s Historical Trade deficit review (Specific Commodities) Source on Agri- Exchange
TABLE 4: SHOWING JAMAICA TRADE REVENUE FROM 2013-2017
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d. Jamaica’s Trade Measures and Facilitation: requirements for Exports

a. Items requiring License for Export Source on JCA
TABLE 5: SHOWING ITEMS REQUIRE LICENSE BEFORE EXPORT FROM
JAMAICA PORT

ITEM  SUPPORT DOCUMENTS   EXPIRY DATE  

 • Approval Letter from Jamaica Customs 
 Scrap Metal • Scrap Metal Inspection Report   1 month or 30 days
• Commercial Invoice
 Approval Letter from Jamaica Customs 
• Scrap Metal Inspection Report from Jamaica
 Scrap Gold  1 month or 30 days
Customs 
• Commercial Invoice
 
     
 • Approval letter from the Sugar Industry
 Sugar  3 months to 1 year
Authority
     
 Approval letter from the Ministry of National
Security and the 
 Ammunition (explosives &  Expiry date based on letter from
• Firearm Licensing Authority 
firearms) Firearm Licensing Authority
• Commissioner of Police, Jamaica Constabulary
Force
     
 • Approval letter from the Ministry of Health  Letter from MOH states the time
 Plasma – in any form
(MOH) frame if not then three months
• Applicant’s letter 
 Motor Vehicles/Equipment • Copies of Ownership documents (Fitness &  3 months
Registration Certificate, Title, exp. certs., etc.)

b. Obtaining an export License Source on Trade board Ltd

Exporter Registration

The export process begins with applying to JAMPRO to become a registered exporter.
Registration is required to be issued a certificate of origin by the Trade Board and also export
clearance for any cargo by Jamaica Customs. A company, business or individual can register as
an exporter.

Issuing import and export licences for specific items that may impact negatively on the
environmental, social and economic conditions of the country, in a manner consistent with
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international obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement for import
licensing

 Issuing certificates of origin for Jamaican products exported under the various
preferential trade agreements
 Monitoring imports and exports of specified commodities, as required by the Ministry of
Industry, Investment and Commerce
 Being the catalyst to facilitate commerce through interface with a wide range of
organizations including embassies, ministries and agencies of Government, and private
sector organizations

There are two types of export licences granted by Trade Board Ltd.

1. Open Export Permits are valid for three (3) months to one (1) year and issued to exporters of
Ores, Sugar and Petroleum Products

2. General Export Permits are issued for the remaining items and valid for three (3) months only
except for scrap metal that is valid for only one (1) month.

c. Export Procedure for Clearance and shipping from Jamaican Ports.

Listed below are the steps necessary for the exportation of Personal Items
BY AIR

1. Collect Tally Sheet and Dispatch Form from airline and complete both
2. Prepare Export Entry (Form C82). Affix $5 worth of stamps to the Entry
3. Submit forms in 1 and 2 above to the Customs Officer for processing
4. Proceed to cashier for payment of Processing Fee
5. Return Export Entry to Customs Officer and collect customer’s copies of Export Entry,
Tally sheet and Dispatch Form
6. Exporter takes goods to airlines warehouse for weighing, security checks and payment of
airline fees
BY SEA

1. Collect dock receipt from shipping agent

2. Prepare 4 copies of list of items to be exported
3. Prepare Export Entry
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4. Submit items 1 to 3 to the Customs Officer for processing, along with permits (if
necessary)
5. Proceed to Cashier for payment of Processing Fee

NB The exporter must register with JAMPRO if personal items are being exported on a
regular basis.
The services of a licensed Customs Broker can be procured, if the exporter is unfamiliar with
the export process.

d. Taxes Duties and Fees Applied to export and example computing Associated Costs
3.Jamaica’s Trade Measures and Facilitation: Requirement for Imports
a. Items requiring License for Import Source on (Trade Board Ltd)
TABLE 6: SHOWING ITEMS REQUIRE LICENSE BEFORE IMPORT
Chapter 4 (Milk and HS Code Description Additional Document
other Concentrated
Products)
04.02 Milk and cream: concentrated
or containing added sugar or
other sweetening matter.
040210 In powder granules or the
solid forms. Of fat content
(not exceeding 1.5%)
040220 In powder, granules or other
solid forms. Of a fat content
(exceeding 1.5%)
Chapter 12 (plants) 12.11 Plants and parts of plants Reference to be made
(include seeds and fruits) of a to the Ministry of
kind used only in perfumery. Agriculture 
In pharmacy or for
insecticidal fungicidal or
similar purposes, fresh or
dried. Whether or not cut,
crushed or powdered. 
1211009 Other plant part for perfume Drug permit to be
and pharmaceutical purposes, obtained from the
eg., cannabis and cocoa leaf. Ministry of Health.
Chapter 13 (plant 13.01 Lac: Natural gums, resins,
extracts) gum resins and balsam Drug permit to be
obtained from the
Ministry of Health

1301001 Cannabis resin

Chapter 17 (sugar) 17.0 Cane and beet sugar and
1 chemically pure sucrose, in
solid form
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17019990 Refined Sugar

Chapter 25 (cement) 25.23 Portland cement, aluminous
cement, slag cement. Super
sulphate cement and similar
hydraulic cements, whether or
not Coloured or in the form of
clinkers
2523200 Portland Cement
25232910 Building Cement
 
(grey)
CHAPTER 28 (Chemical 28.04 Hydrogen, rare gases and Drug permit to be
and Gases) another non-metal obtained from the
Ministry of Health.
Chapter 36 (explosives) 360200 Prepared explosives other 1. Permit from
than propellant powders the
Commissioner
of Police;
2. Same to be
stamped and
signed by the
Collector of
Customs;
3. Ministry of
National
Security &
Justice to
grant
approval;

Chapter 84 (equipment) 84.14.40 Compressors mounted on

wheeled
Chapter 87 (motor 87.02 Public transport type  Invoice/ Bill
vehicle) passenger motor vehicles of Sale
 Registration
Certificate or
Certificate of
Title (for used
Vehicles)
  Importer’s
TRN
 Valid ID (for
individuals)

CHAPTER 93 (Guns and 9301.00 Military weapons other than  Approval

other Explosive revolvers, pistols and the from the
Weapons) arms of HDG No. 93.07.00 Firearm
Licensing
Authority 
 The Ministry
of National
Security
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(MNS)

Chapter 95 (recreation 9503 Other (toy guns, recreational  Approval

equipment) including water pistols) from the
Firearm
Licensing
Authority 
 The Ministry
of National
Security
(MNS)

b. Obtaining an Import License Source on (Trade Board Ltd)

Import License
The legal authority for administering this policy is the Trade Act, Law 4, 1955. There are thirty-
four (34) items now on the List of Items that Require Import Licensing.

In fact, import licensing is one Agreement under the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Multilateral Agreement on Trade in Goods. The work of the company is therefore conducted in
keeping with international trade rules.

Our responsibility is therefore to inform the consumer on the provisions of all policies relating to
import/export licensing, and having done so through regular notices to importers, enforce the
relevant provisions of the Act where breaches are committed. We also provide an advisory role
to the Minister on formulation of policy issues relevant to our operations.

In keeping with the mandate of the Government, the company has formulated and implemented a
Guarantee of Service to our stakeholders. The management and staff are committed to providing
our customers with timely information on policy issues and changes in the services we provide.
We would certainly appreciate your suggestions on how we can improve these services or
provide other services to you, our valued customers.

c. Import Procedure for Clearance and shipping from Jamaican Ports (Source on JCA
Website)
The clearance process:
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 Collect shipping documents from local agent and pay relevant fees.
 A Customs Broker or authorized agent will prepare the commercial entry and submit to
the Entry Processing Unit of the JCA.
 The importer/agent will proceed to the Customs Cashier and pay the relevant fees after
the entry is passed by Customs.
 Proceed to the port or warehouse and pay the relevant local handling charges and storage
fee if applicable.
 The warehouse operator will locate the goods and place them in the examination area.
 A Customs Officer will be assigned to examine the shipment against the documents
presented by the importer/agent. If there are no discrepancies, a Customs Release will be
generated.
 A gate pass will be issued to the importer/agent by the port operator.

Listed below are the steps necessary for the exportation of Personal Items
BY AIR

1. Collect Tally Sheet and Dispatch Form from airline and complete both
2. Prepare Export Entry (Form C82). Affix $5 worth of stamps to the Entry
3. Submit forms in 1 and 2 above to the Customs Officer for processing
4. Proceed to cashier for payment of Processing Fee
5. Return Export Entry to Customs Officer and collect customer’s copies of Export Entry,
Tally sheet and Dispatch Form
6. Exporter takes goods to airlines warehouse for weighing, security checks and payment of
airline fees 
BY SEA

1. Collect dock receipt from shipping agent

2. Prepare 4 copies of list of items to be exported
3. Prepare Export Entry
4. Submit items 1 to 3 to the Customs Officer for processing, along with permits (if
necessary)
5. Proceed to Cashier for payment of Processing Fee

d. Taxes Duties and Fees Applied to import and example computing Associated Costs
Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF)
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Cost: This is the total cost of the goods abroad including ex-factory price, commission, mark-up
and inland freight but excluding sales tax and interest. The cost of the goods is sometimes
expressed as FOB (Free on Board) or FOA (Free on Air)

Insurance: This is the insurance charge which is payable to transport the goods to Jamaica in
order to ensure that some compensation will be available to you in the event of the loss or
damage of the goods.

If you have not paid any insurance charges when freighting your goods to Jamaica, an insurance
charge is still applicable for valuation purposes. For goods arriving by sea, the insurance charge
is 1.5% of the total Cost and Freight (c. & f.), that is, if the goods cost US$100 and the freight
charge is US$50, then C&F would be US$100 + US$50 = US$150. 1.5% of US$150, i.e. 150 x
3/200 = US$2.25.
Total c.i.f. therefore is $100 + $50 + $2.25 = US$152.25.
For shipments arriving by air the insurance applicable is 1% of the total Cost and Freight. The
insurance rate of 1.5% is applicable to marine cargo.
Freight: This is the amount of money paid or payable to the shipping agent or the airlines for the
goods to be shipped or transported to Jamaica, including inland freight, packaging and handling
charges.
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Specific Commodities
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1. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

a. Institutional Framework for Trade: Refer to Page 1

b. International (Bilateral and Multilateral) Trade Agreements: Refer to Page 2- 8

2. JAMAICA’S TRADE MEASURES AND FACILITATION: REQUIREMENTS FOR

EXPORTS

a. Items Requiring License for Export: Not Listed for Ayscuda Chapter

b. Obtaining an Export License Refer to Page 14 -15

c. Export Procedures for Clearance and Shipping from Jamaican Ports: Refer to Page 15- 16

d. Taxes Duties and Fees Applied to Exports and Example Computing Associated Costs: Refer
to Page 19- 20

3. JAMAICA’S TRADE MEASURES AND FACILITATION: REQUIREMENTS FOR

IMPORTS

a. Items Requiring License for Import: Refer to Page 16- 18

b. Obtaining an Import License: Refer to Page 18

c. Import Procedures for Clearance and Receiving at Jamaican Ports: Refer to Page 18 - 19

d. Taxes Duties and Fees Applied to Imports and Example Computing Associated Costs: Refer
to Page 19- 20
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References
Agri Exchange. (2020, November 24). Statistics & Analysis. Retrieved from
http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/
Bailey, J. (2020, September 14). International Marketing (IMKT
20S1_W7C7CH13_U6C_IGEILRIITSTAMEPFIM). pp. 4-5.
JCA. (2020, November 21). Jamaica Custom Agency. Retrieved from
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/
Ltd, T. B. (2020, November 23). Jamaica Trade Information Portal. Retrieved from
https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/tblweb/
STATIN. (1984, April 9). Statstical Institute of Jamaica . Retrieved from
https://dogoodjamaica.org/organization-search/item/statistical_institute_of_jamaica/
USDA. (2020, November 24). U.S Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from
https://www.usda.gov/