NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 17 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Other Ways the JCA Protects Society Enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) One area of border security which is easily overlooked is the protection of the environment. The JCA, along with partner BRAs, such as the National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA), has the responsibility to enforce the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) to which Jamaica is party. These agreements govern the movement of environmentally sensitive items including endangered plants and animals; substances and products including hazardous waste, pollutants and chemicals. They require an “all of agency” approach, consistent attention, and a keen eye to ensure that any breaches present are detected and appropriately handled. The World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Harmonised System A key tool employed by the JCA in carrying out its mandates is the WCO’s Harmonised System (HS), a nomenclature used for the classification of goods. The HS is used by over 200 economies, Customs and economic unions as a basis for their national Customs tariffs and collection of trade data worldwide. The HS is the foundation upon which Jamaica’s National Tariff is based and is utilised to administer the nation’s trade policies, including the determination of duty treatment, establishing rules of origin, trade negotiations, monitoring of controlled goods including waste, narcotics, ozone depleting substances, endangered species, core Customs processes such as risk management, entry processing and the collection of trade statistics. From a border security perspective, it is essential in identifying hazardous goods, restricted chemicals, ozone-depleting substances, and other regulated items, and determining the treatment they should be accorded, thereby supporting effective monitoring and enforcement. Conclusion The JCA and Customs administrations worldwide are evolving to meet the demands of a fast-moving and complex trading environment, playing the often-unrecognised role of guardians of our nation’s security, which goes beyond revenue collection and trade facilitation. In the foregoing article, the agency sought to build awareness surrounding this important aspect of Customs, and to reaffirm our commitment and vigilance in achieving our Vision and Mission. The agency remains committed to its core values of “CAPIT” and is guided by its Vision of being “A modern Customs administration, delivering excellent service, fostering compliance and contributing to our national development and protection of society.” The JCA commits to continue ensuring the protection of society, employing commitment and vigilance in every process, every intervention, so that Jamaica will not only be prosperous, but every citizen will be able to live, work, and do business in an environment of peace and security.
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