NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023 21 CUSTOMS WEEK 2023 THE JAMAICA Customs Agency (JCA) is reminding importers, exporters and Agents to adhere to its requirements, and provide accurate information, including ‘proper invoices’ to aid with the efficient processing of cargo at the ports. Agents who ship goods to Jamaica are reminded that they MUST follow the steps below for ultimate clearance: Step 1: Submit cargo manifest, to include breakdown manifests, via the Port Community System (PCS) to the JCA prior to arrival of vessel. Step 2: Determine whether a request will be made to move goods from the Port to a Public Bonded Warehouse or have goods examined on the Port. Step 3: Ensure container is offloaded, and cargo scanned at the Warehouse. Step 4: Create and submit the simplified IMS4 declaration and upload all supporting documents, to include invoices provided by the importer. Step 5: Pay the applicable Customs duties and fees for each declaration. Step 6: Arrange with the Warehouse for goods to be presented to Customs for inspection. Step 7: Customs Officer inspects the cargo. Step 8: Cargo is released to the Agent/importer if all requirements are met. As the JCA works to protect Jamaica’s borders and its people, collect revenue on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and facilitate trade, the agency urges importers to assist by ascertaining from their Agents if all the above-mentioned steps have been adhered to, and all Customs requirements have been met. The agency continues to improve its border protection initiatives for the benefit of all Jamaicans and as such, has included enhanced non-intrusive inspections and physical examination of goods based on the risk rating of the importer, the goods or the industry, intelligence or random selection. Importers should therefore allow for sufficient time, for the clearance of their goods. The Jamaica Customs Agency urges all stakeholders to work with us, as we Keep Our Customers in Focus, while effectively fulfilling all mandates of the Agency. Jamaica Customs urges adherence to all requirements for the efficient processing and clearance of goods hub of the Caribbean, but this will require the shared vision and concerted efforts of all public and private sector stakeholders. The logistics hub that we envision would be greatly facilitated by the naming and developing the area around the Port of Kingston as a logistics and industrial park, with all the attendant benefits and security and the necessary infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of our supply chain. We invite the Customs Agency to be one of our chief collaborators in this project, which we believe will also benefit your role as trade facilitator and border protector. Our vision for growth and development requires bold initiatives and innovation. We therefore take this opportunity to commend the Customs Agency for adopting appropriate technology that utilises real-time communication and digitalisation in its operations. By so doing, you are supporting the maritime sector’s efforts at performance optimisation so that we can serve our customers with greater efficiencies. The SAJ remains committed to working closely with government agencies, including the Jamaica Customs Agency, to promote professionalism and growth in the shipping industry and the entire economy. That shared objective forms the basis for the strategic partnership among public and private sector bodies which is integral to our success as a nation. We wish great success for all the activities of International Customs Day and the SAJ always looks forward to participating in this week of celebration. WILLIAM BROWN President Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) ADOPT CONTINUED FROM 14 to continuously revolutionise our efforts to the benefit of all our stakeholders. Recognising the important role played by our stakeholders, the JCA is compelled to develop and maintain that culture of quality in ensuring that our systems, processes, and business practices remain on the cutting edge and that our service delivery always achieves the desired outcome which is customer satisfaction. Implementing quality management will increase efficiency in our operations, delivering on promises, thus improving/ exceeding customer satisfaction among our stakeholders and propelling the JCA to that point of global excellence in service delivery. Contributed by: The ISO Project Office of the JCA ISO CONTINUED FROM 19
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