NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 12 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Anti-corruption and Integrity Section and Programme under the Internal Affairs Division. Vigilance at the JCA involves acknowledging the risks to the objectives of the agency and being alert to their mitigation. In this vein, the JCA continues to invest in extensive capacity building of staff, commits to continuous improvement and employment of best practices, optimally deploying staff and equipment, networking and collaborating with stakeholders locally, regionally and internationally, optimally employing the use of risk management, including Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and embedding a risk management culture throughout the organisation through enterprise risk management. Risk-based and PCA Approach The JCA recognises that risk management is the foundation of modern Customs operations. It enables administrations to allocate resources efficiently, focus on high risk areas, and facilitate legitimate trade. The agency is therefore proactively applying enterprise risk management to the management of risks impacting or likely to impact its ability to achieve its strategic objectives. The agency has also created, and maintains a Risk Policy, Plan and Register. The Risk Register is a “living document” and is informed by all units within the organisation. The JCA follows a structured process: establishing context; identifying, analysing, assessing, prioritising risks and treating risks; and monitoring and reviewing outcomes. This ensures that Customs responses are targeted, evidence based, and adaptable. The beneKey Enablers Risk-based and PCA Approach fits of risk management include improved risk identification, faster clearance for low risk traders, better resource allocation, increased revenue, reduced transaction costs, stronger compliance, and enhanced collaboration with the private sector. PCA complements risk management and the work of the BPD. From the standpoint of continuous vigilance and risk management, the role of PCA is to ensure compliance in a trade-facilitating environment. Post Clearance Audits are conducted after the clearance of goods and can be initiated between 2 to 7 years post clearance of goods, depending on the nature of the audit. Any company or individual, that imports or exports goods to and from Jamaica may be audited. The PCA function therefore ensures continuous vigilance even after the clearance process. Legislation The JCA recognises that a solid foundation is critical in order to achieve its mandates. In light of this, a major overhaul of the Customs Act, 1941, was undertaken in the form of a repeal and replacement. The proposed new Customs Act, brings a modern outlook, boasting modern language, updated provisions to reflect the current environment, as well more efficient risk-based processes. It provides the legal basis for enacting the activities the agency undertakes in securing our borders. Technology The agency seeks to embody a modern Customs administration and has invested in the technology to make it happen, with great success. The strong focus on ICT is crosscutting and underpins all aspects of operations. From the Automated System for Customs Data
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