Jamaica

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of passport (data page and landing stamp) (2 copies)
• Work permit or residence permit if not a Jamaican citizen
• Unconditional stamp if Jamaican and arriving on foreign passport
• Tax compliance certificate for import of auto / commercial goods
• Tax registration number
• Inventory / packing list
• Unaccompanied baggage declaration form (C.27) provided at the airport upon arrival in Jamaica or at Customs interview
• Letter of employment
• Returning residents must also provide the following documents:
  • Customs declaration form (C.5) provided to the Customs officer at the time of arrival
  • Letternotarized by a J.P. confirming place of residence if staying with a friend or relative or a copy of rental / lease agreement, etc.
  • Documents proving customer has lived outside of Jamaica for more than 3 years
  • Document stating Customer’s intention to re-establish permanent residence in Jamaica
  • Letter of separation from employer at origin (foreigners)
  • Tax returns for the last 3 years (foreigners)
  • Pay stubs, W2, P45 (foreigners)
  • Invoices or bills from residence abroad (foreigners)
  • Copy of retirement papers / pension advice, P60 (foreigners)
  • Evidence of the disposal of property owned (foreigners)
  • Copy of sale of agreement / purchase agreement (foreigners)
  • Evidence of property acquired (returning citizens)
  • Copy of utility bill, such as electric bill, water bill, etc. (returning citizens)
• Tax receipt (returning citizens)
• Lease agreement (returning citizens)
• Evidence of employment (returning citizens)
• Letter from institution attended (returning students)
• Copy of 1-20 ID (returning students)
• Copy of transcript (returning students)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)

 

Note:  All documents should be originals or stamped by the J.P. as true copies.

 

Specific Information

• The owner of the goods must be in Jamaica during Customs clearance.
• Returning residents may import one new appliance or electronic equipment / computer, used household goods and tools of trade duty-free.
• Duty charges are determined after the examination of goods by Customs at the stripping station and are based on the CIF value.
  • They are generally between 5% to 40% plus taxes of approximately 23.8% compounded, depending on the item assessed.
• Electrical and electronics equipment may not be compatible with the Jamaica electrical system 220 / 110V 50 cycle.

 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Passport
• OBL
• Import license (which must be obtained prior to import)
• Driver’s license (the owner of the goods can drive in Jamaica for 12 months before a Jamaican license is required)
• Insurance certificate
• Certificate of title or registration documents
• Vehicles require an invoice detailing the model, accessories and CIF value
• Tax compliance certificate
• Import entry C78

 

Specific Information

• Used vehicles cannot be more than 5 years old and are taxable.
• A Customs broker must clear motor vehicles.

 

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate
• Permit from the veterinary division of the Ministry of Agriculture (must be obtained prior to import)

 

Specific Information

• Quarantine may be required.
• Only dogs and cats born and bred in the United Kingdom can be imported.

 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• New items (dutiable if less than 6 months old for non-returning residents and invoices must be provided)
• Firearms and ammunition (except where prior permission has been obtained from the Commissioner of Police and Trade Administrator) and drugs.

 

Prohibited Items

• Drugs

 

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.