JCA Policies

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As Christmas approaches, Jamaicans and visitors travelling from overseas may wish to import items in celebration of the season, such as uncooked ham/turkey, fire crackers, fireworks, pyrotechnics, toy guns, or alcohol (in excess of the stipulated allowance), all of which are categorised as restricted items.  

So what are restricted items?

Restricted items are those goods which require a permit or licence in order to be imported into Jamaica. Failure to comply with this stipulation will result in the passenger or importer being breached, for contravening the Customs Act. It is therefore important that the requisite permits or licences must be sought before the items are imported into Jamaica.

Here are some frequenlty asked questions (FAQs):

1. I wish to import ham for Christmas, may I do so? Response: The importations of meats require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
2. Can Red Kidney Beans be imported without a permit? No. Red Kidney Beans require a permit from our Ministry of Agriculture.
3. My children wish to travel with their toy guns, are these allowed? Toy guns are restricted, as they are deemed as a threat and can be used for illicit purposes. The requisite permit is needed for importing these items.
4. Can camouflage (military) clothing be imported? This gear is for military purpose or use only. It will be deemed as an impersonation or a threat, if civilians are caught wearing this type of clothing.
5. Do I need a permit to import the remains of my deceased relative? A permit is required for the importation of all human remains (corpse or ashes).
6. Are fruits and vegetables restricted? These items are restricted, in order to prevent the importation of pests or plant diseases. The requisite permit is needed from the Ministry of Health, before they can be imported.

 

List of Restricted Items: Some passengers and importers are unaware of the various permits that are required for importing certain items. The following list stipulates the items that are restricted. This list is subject to change, as items are added and removed as the Government of Jamaica dictates.  

Glossary: MOA – Ministry of Agriculture MOH – Ministry of Health MNS – Ministry of National Security PRAD – Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Division KSHA – Kingston & St. Andrew Health Department

Restricted Items	Requirement	Issuing Agency	Telephone
Meat/Animals	Permit/Certificate	MOA	977-0637
Red Peas	Permit/ Phyto Sanitary Certificate	MOA	977-0637
Fruits, Vegetables, Plants & Plant Products, Honey, Seeds, Cut Flowers, Onions	Phyto Sanitary Certificate / Permit	MOA	977-0637
Ground Provision	Phyto Sanitary Certificate /Permit	MOA	633-7433
Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Herbal Teas	PSD Certificate	PRAD/MOH	633-7120
Firearms, and Accessories Explosives, Fireworks, Sword	Permit/License to Import	MNS/Trade Board	906-4908 967-0507
Sugar	Licence	Trade Board	967-0507
Coconut Derivatives – Oil Producing Seeds, Edible Oils, Soaps	Permit	Coconut Industry Board	926-1770
Motor Vehicles	Licence	Trade Board	967-0507
Alcohol in Bulk	Spirit Pool Permit	Spirit Pool Association Ltd.	968-4455
Human Remains	KSAH Permit	Kingston & St. Andrew Health Dept.	926-1550-2
Pesticides	Permit	Pesticides Control Authority	633-7770/2
Milk Powder Milk Based Products	Licence/Permit	MOA	977-0637
Radios (Two-Way)	Licence/Approval	Spectrum Management Authority	967-7948