Moving overseas is a thrilling experience, but it also demands extensive preparation, paperwork, and research! If you are considering or planning a move to Jamaica, read on for detailed customs information and helpful tips on the necessary documents and enforced regulations for importing goods into the country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Jamaica, there are many
important documents required to enter the country and establish permanent residency. When planning your international move, it is a good idea to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you with the necessary paperwork to clear customs and successfully relocate.
When moving to Jamaica, you will need :
- Passport
- Visa
- Residence permit
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill (original)
- Unaccompanied Baggage Form C27 (obtained upon arrival at airport)
- Import Entry Form C78
- Taxes Compliance Certificate
- Comprehensive inventory
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Jamaica permanently, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) duty free if:
- Goods are used and have been in your possession at least six months
- You are present at time of customs clearance
- Goods are imported within three months of your arrival into Jamaica
- Goods with a CIF value of 1,000 USD or less may be cleared without a licensed customs broker
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Jamaica, the following items are prohibited for importation:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive materials
- Indecent/obscene prints, paintings, photographs, films, lithographs, engravings, and books
- Explosives, weapons and any dangerous objects
- Tablets containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride
- Certain brands of crayons from China and Thailand
- Oil of gin or cognac
- Rum coloring solutions
- Fictitious stamps and instrument
- Counterfeit coins of any country
- Sugar (except under license of Sugar Control Board)
- Honey
- Coffee
- Fur-bearing goatskin products (unless properly shaven, cured and cleaned)
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Jamaican customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- New items less than six months old (require invoices/receipts)
- Firearms and ammunition (require permission from the Commissioner of Police and the Trade Administrator)
- Artwork, paintings, rugs and antiques (duty free if part of household shipment, but large
quantities must have certificate from Antique Dealers Association from your origin country)
- Medication (requires Import License and Drug/Poison Permit, and prescription)
- Inheritance (requires a death certificate)
- Plants and plant products (require Ministry of Agriculture Permit and a Fumigation or Health Certificate)
- Radios (require permit)
- Meat, fruits, vegetables (require certificate)
- Milk and milk products (require Import License)
- Appliances, electronics and machinery (require invoices, Import License and C27 Form)
- Canned Food (valued on inventory and requires an Import License)
- Alcohol (one bottle each of wine or spirits per person duty-free permitted)
- Tobacco (200 cigarettes or a half pound of loose tobacco duty-free permitted)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle to Jamaica, you'll need the help of experienced international vehicle shippers with sufficient knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations. To import your vehicle into Jamaica, it must meet these conditions:
- Returning residents may import two new or used autos (one commercial and one personal) during a three year period
- Used vehicles cannot be more than four years old
- Autos must not exceed 2800 cc's
- A customs broker is not require to clear an automobile
- Vehicles are dutiable and will be assessed by customs authorities the value on the local market
- The Import License must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped
The following documents are required to import your vehicle to Jamaica:
- Import License
- Tax Compliance Certificate
- Certificate of Title and Registration
- Commercial/Purchase Invoice
- Drivers license in origin country (you may drive in Jamaica for one year before a Jamaican license is required)
- International Insurance Policy
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo however, pets are highly restricted in Jamaica. Only animals bred and raised in the United Kingdom will be granted entry. Other requirements are:
- Permit from the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Agriculture
- Quarantine may be required
- Certificate of Vaccination and Health
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex venture, which is why it is crucial to hire trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any overseas moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified for the job and can properly aid you in the complicated customs process. Being knowledgeable and conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will protect you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable and experienced international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to safely transport your belongings to Jamaica.
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