NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 48 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Jamaica Trade Board Limited’s Export Certification Unit OPENING DOORS TO GLOBAL MARKETS JAMAICA’S EXPORTERS are gaining stronger footholds in international markets, propelled by the work of the Export Certification Unit (ECU) of the Jamaica Trade Board Limited (JTBL). Far beyond its regulatory mandate, the ECU stands as the official certifying authority for products covered under the nine (9) trade agreements administered by the JTBL. In doing so, it guarantees that qualifying goods gain the full advantage of duty-free or re- duced-duty access, ensuring Jamaican businesses reap the benefits of international trade opportunities. SAFEGUARDING JAMAICA’S TRADE REPUTATION The ECU enforces what are known as Rules of Origin, the criteria that determine whether a product truly qualifies for preferential treatment under a trade deal.This isn’t just paperwork. By verifying compliance, the Unit protects Jamaica’s credibility as a trading partner and ensures exporters can enter key markets without facing unnecessary tariffs. THE AGREEMENTS THAT MATTER The Unit manages nine (9) trade agreements that give Jamaican goods a competitive edge. These include: • Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI): Flour, snacks, sauces, and seasonings. • CARIBCAN (Canada): Canned ackee, bottled water, Easter buns, rum, baked goods, and fresh produce. • Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Access to markets like Japan, Australia, and Switzerland for sauces, repellents, and agricultural goods. • CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME): Trade across the Caribbean, including Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and Guyana. • Agreements with Venezuela, Costa Rica, Cuba, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Each agreement has its own rules, and the ECU carefully verifies whether products meet these rules, before issuing a Certificate of Origin. If a product doesn’t qualify, exporters receive a Letter of Origin, confirming Jamaican authenticity even outside trade deals. BUILDING EXPORT READINESS Since 2022, the ECU has gone beyond compliance with its Step-Up Export with Trade Agreements programme. Nearly 300 manufacturers and small businesses have received hands-on training in documentation, eligibility, and market expansion. This initiative helps businesses not only meet requirements but also compete effectively in international markets. RESULTS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES The impact is clear. Exports backed by Certificates of Origin grew from USD $79 million in 2024/25 to USD $108 million by November 2025, an increase of 37%. CARICOM leads the way, accounting for over USD $95 million in exports for 2025, followed by the CBI and CARIBCAN agreements. DIGITAL TOOLS FOR MODERN TRADE Recognising that exporters need more than compliance, the Jamaica Trade Board Limited has launched two digital platforms: • EXPORTJamaica: A market intelligence hub offering global demand data, buyer insights, and risk-screening tools. • EXPORTAcademy: A training platform that equips businesses with knowledge on logistics, pricing, compliance, and market entry strategies. Together, these tools give Jamaican exporters the confidence to approach new markets with precision and readiness. LOOKING AHEAD As Jamaica strengthens ties with traditional partners and explores new regions, the Export Certification Unit remains central to the mission. By combining compliance, education, and digital innovation, the ECU is helping Jamaican businesses scale sustainably, thereby ensuring that the country’s exports continue to shine on the global stage. Submission By The Trade Board Limited
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