G/LIC/N/3/JAM/6  
 
29 November  2023 
(23-8099) Page: 1/5 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English  
 
 
REPLIES TO QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE 7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  (2022)2 
JAMAICA  
The following communication, first draft originally received on 4 August  2022, is being circulated at 
the request of the delegation of Jamaica . 
 
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NOTE: CHANGE OF NOMENCLATURE - In the context of Jamaica's National Trade Facilitation 
Initiative, the Trade Board Limited has been designated as one of 22 Border Regulatory Agencies 
(BRAs) leading the Initiative. In support of this critical policy interve ntion, a multi -stakeholder 
transactional platform entitled the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) 
http://www.jswift.gov.jm  was launched between June and July 2020 and among th e attendant 
administrative revisions is a change in nomenclature from the term 'Import Licence' to 'Import 
Permit'.  
 
Outline of System  
1. Jamaica operates a single, open, general licensing system . 
 
Purpose and Coverage of Licensing  
2. The import licensing system covers products that may impact negatively on the environment, 
social and security conditions of Jamaica. The list of products is attached (ANNEX I).  
 
3. The Trade Board Licensing System applies to items/goods from all countries trading wi th Jamaica.  
 
4. The system is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. It is an administrative 
mechanism for the monitoring of items/goods that could impact negatively on the environment, 
social and security of Jamaica. An alternative to the present licensing system has not been proposed, 
however Jamaica is committed to periodic review of the list of items requiring Import Permits, with 
the objective of removing items where justifiable. At least four items/product lines were removed 
from i mport licensing restriction during 2019 to 2020.  
 
5. The Import Licensing System is maintained under the legal authority of the Trade Act (Law 4) 
1955; Section 11. Licensing is statutorily required. No, the designation of products is not left to 
administra tive discretion. Note that it is not possible for the system to be abolished by Government 
(or the executive branch) without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6  Jamaica does not apply quota restrictions.   
 
 
1 See document G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  
2 This notification also covers the years 2017-2021.  G/LIC/N/3/JAM/6  
 
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  7.(a) No advance time is stipulated. To avoid a breach of the Customs Act, Import Permits must be 
issued by the Trade Board Limited and obtained by importers prior to the importation of any 
licensable items.  Once the Import Permit has been issued, the applicant/importer may proceed 
to ship the goods/ite ms. No goods should be shipped prior to the importer receiving an Import 
Permit.  
(b) Yes, once all the required information/documentation is submitted.  The minimum time for 
processing applications is three working days if the required documentation/informa tion is 
attached. If there are no undue impediments to processing, a maximum of approximately 
seven working days is required for specific items for which recommendations are required 
from external ministries/agencies (Ministry of Industry, Investment & Com merce and The 
Bureau of Standards Jamaica), or where additional information/documents are required.  
(c) No. 
(d) Import applications are primarily considered by the Trade Board Limited. However, there are 
specific commodities (milk powder and cement) for wh ich recommendations/pre -approval s 
from other state entities are necessary prior to approval. However, procedurally, the 
applications are submitted to the Trade Board Limited and then referred by the Trade Board 
Limited to the abovementioned entities for th eir recommendation/pre -approval.  
 
8. There are no other circumstances other than failure to meet statutory requirements. The  reasons 
for refusals are shared with applicants/importers who have the right to appeal by means of a letter 
to the Trade Administr ator presenting new information with additional documentation where 
necessary. In certain circumstances, a special subcommittee of the Board of Directors of the Trade 
Board Limited may review these cases.  
 
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence  
9. Individuals over 18 years of age, institutions (e.g., embassies, NGOs), companies (including motor 
vehicle dealers) are eligible to apply for Import Permits under a non -restrictive licensing system. 
Motor Vehicle Dealers and importers of Refined  Sugar and Milk Powder are required to be registered 
prior to the submission of applications. A registration fee is applicable. There is a published list of all 
the Certified Motor Vehicle Dealers.  
 
Documentation and other Requirements for Application for a Licence  
10. The type of information required on applications include: name and address of importer 
(individual/company), name and address of consignor, Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), 
quantity, unit price, C.I.F (Cost, Insurance and Freight) Value. I ndividuals importing items are 
required to submit proof of identity. Applications for import permits are accepted by way of an online 
Platform (Jamaica Trade Information Portal ( www.jamaicatradeportal.gov .jm). The interface is the 
same for both individuals and companies. Documents supplied with applications include Supplier 's 
Invoice and or Certificate of Title. In addition to these documents, motor vehicle dealers are r equired 
to submit Export Certificates and Preshipment Inspection Certificates (the latter for used motor 
vehicles being imported).  
 
11. Upon importation, importers of licensable items are required to supply valid Import Permits, 
documentation showing proof  of ownership, along with the relevant shipping documents required by 
the Jamaica Customs Agency.  
 
12. Yes, there are administrative charges. A processing fee of J$6,325.00 is required on submission 
of all applications.  
 
13. There are no deposits or advance payments associated with the issue of import permits.   
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Permits are typically valid for one year or six months. However, shorter validity periods may 
obtain where the licensable import is subjec t to age limits (specifically used motor vehicles and 
motorized equipment). Such cases aside, where the period of validity is less than a year, Import 
Permits may be extended on the basis of written requests for extensions accompanied by justification 
and supporting documentation.  
 
15. No, there is no penalty for non -utilization of an Import Permit or portion thereof.  G/LIC/N/3/JAM/6  
 
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16. No, Import Permits are not transferable between/among importers. This is a conditionality of all 
Import Permits issued.  
 
17. Other condi tions attached to the issue of Import Permits include: - vehicles should meet the 
requirements of the Road Traffic Laws of Jamaica and importation of damaged vehicles is not 
allowed. Permits for goods/items imported on a temporary basis carry a condition t hat these items 
should be re -exported at the end of the specific period stipulated.  Applicants do have the option to 
apply for permanent landed status if necessary.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not in relation to the Trade Board Limited.  
 
19. Jamaica 's Foreign Exchange System has been fully liberalized. An Import Permit is not required 
as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange.  
 
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 G/LIC/N/3/JAM/6  
 
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  ANNEX I  
THE TRADE BOARD LIMITED  
List of Items Requiring Import Permit  
HS Code  Description of p roduct  Other documents required  
0402 Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added 
sugar or other sweetening matter in powder, granules 
or other solid forms:  Radioactive certificate from  
supplier, Specimen sheet Approval 
from Bureau of Standards Jamaica  
0402.10  of a fat content (not exceeding 1.5%)  
0402.20  Of a fat content (exceeding 1.5%  
1701.99. 90 Refined sugar  Invoice from Supplier  
2523 Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement. 
Super sulphate cement and similar hydraulic cements, 
whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers  Reference to the Ministry of 
Industry, Investment and 
Commerce  
2523.1000  Cement clinkers; Portland cement  
2523.2100  White cement, whether or not artificially coloured  
2523.2900  Other  
2523.2910  Building Cement (grey)  
2523.2920  Oil well cement  
2523.2990  Other  
2523.3000  Aluminous cement  
2523.9000  Other hydraulic cements  
3601.00  Propellant powders  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police . Approval from Ministry of 
National Security  
3602.00  Prepared explosives other than propellant powders  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police. Approval from Ministry of 
National Security  
3603.00  Safety fuses, detonating fuses, percussion or 
detonating caps, igniters, electric detonators  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police . Approval from Ministry of 
National Security  
3604.10  Fireworks  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police . Approval from Ministry of 
National Security  
3604.90  Other pyrotechnic articles  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police . Approval from Ministry of 
National Security  
8427 Cranes and forklift trucks, other work trucks fitted with 
lifting or handling equipment   
8429 Self-Propelled Bulldozers, angel dozers, graders, 
levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, 
shovel loaders, trenchers, back hoes, harvesters, pipe 
layers, road rollers, asphalt plants and pavers 
(Excl.  Tamping Machines)   
8430 Compactors and concrete drop Hammers only   
8433 Sugar cane harvester and mowers for lawns, park or 
sports ground (12.5 Horsepower /344cc and above 
only)  
8702 Public -transport -type passenger motor vehicles   
8703 Motor cars and other motor vehicles including station 
wagons and racing cars   
8704 Motor vehicles for the transport of goods (excluding 
pick-ups and trucks over 3 tons)   
8705 Special purpose motor vehicles, other than those 
principally designed for the transport of persons or 
goods (for example, breakdown lorries, crane lorries, 
fire-fighting vehicles, concrete -mixer lorries, road 
sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, 
mobile radiological units and mobile kitchens)   
8706 Chassis fitted with engines (for motor vehicles of HS 
Nos. 87.02 to 87.05)   
8707 Bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicle of HS 
Nos.87.02 -87.04 (excluding cabs for pick -ups)  
8708 Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of HS Nos. 
87.01 to 87.05 (only the HS Nos. listed below )  G/LIC/N/3/JAM/6  
 
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  HS Code  Description of p roduct  Other documents required  
8708.99.9 Other (motor vehicle parts – front and back clip)   
8709 Work trucks, self -propelled, not fitted with lifting or 
handling equipment, of the type used in factories, 
warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance 
transport of goods; tractors of the type used on 
railway station platforms   
8711 Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with 
an auxiliary motor, with or without sidecars; two 
wheeled self -balancing, battery powered electric 
vehicles and hover boards  Approval from the Ministry of 
National Security for motorcycles 
with cc rating 700 and over  
8716 Trailers and semi -trailers; other vehicles, not 
mechanically propelled (only those HS Nos. listed 
below)   
8716.10  Trailers and semi -trailers of the caravan type, for 
housing or camping   
8716.20  Self-loading or self -unloading trailers and semi -trailers 
for agricultural purposes; Other trailers or semi -trailers 
for the transport or goods (20ft/6.1m and above)   
8716.31  Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers   
9301.00  Military weapons other than revolvers, pistols and the 
arms of HS 93.07.00  Permit from the Commissioner of 
Police . Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9302.00  Revolvers and pistols other than those of HS Nos. 
93.03 or 93.04.00  Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9303 Other firearms and similar devices which operates by 
the firing of an explosive charge (for example, sporting 
shotguns and o ther rifles, muzzle -loading firearms, 
Very pistols and other devices designed to project only 
signal flares, pistols and revolvers for firing blank 
ammunitions, captive -bolt humane killers, line -
throwing guns)  Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9304.00  Other arms (rifle, air/spring gun, pistol etc. including 
those with HS No. 93.07.00)  Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9305 Parts and accessories for HS Nos. 93.01 -93.04  Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9306 Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, similar 
ammunitions of war and parts ther eof, including shot 
and cartridge wads (only those HS Nos. listed below)  Approval from the Firearm 
Licensing Authority and Ministry of 
National Security  
9307 Swords, cutlasses, bayonets, lances, similar arms parts 
thereof and scabbards and sheaths therefor  Approval from the Ministry of 
National Security  
9503 Other (toy guns, recreational including water pistols)  Approval from the Commissioner 
of Police  
 
Dated: 15 February 2021  
 
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