Customs rolls back barrel duty hike

The Jamaica Customs Department has rolled back the increase on the duty to clear personal-effects barrels.

The Customs Department says the roll-back will take effect on Monday.

But come January 2, 2013 the new $6,500 fee structure will be imposed.

Yesterday, the Customs Department added $1,500 to the clearance fee for personal-effects barrels taking the duty to $6,500.

There were immediate calls for the fee to be rolled back in light of the impact on Jamaica caused by Hurricane Sandy and the expectation that people overseas would be getting relief barrels from the relatives overseas.

This afternoon, the Customs Department said in light of the Hurricane Restoration Project, it has reviewed its position.

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