NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026 64 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 1, 2026 PROTECTING SOCIETY IN A DIGITAL AGE: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS REDEFINING CUSTOMS VIGILANCE AND COMMITMENT In a world where people, goods, and information cross borders at unprecedented speed, protecting society demands far more than physical checkpoints and manual inspections. It requires intelligence, foresight, and a firm commitment to innovation. As Jamaica and the international community observe World Customs Organisation (WCO) Customs Day under the theme, ‘Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment’, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) reflects on a transformative year of progress driven by technology, partnerships, and service excellence. In 2025, vigilance for Customs has evolved into a powerful blend of technology, intelligence, and service excellence. Through sustained investment in modernisation and digitisation, the JCA continues its transition from a paper-driven environment to a secure, data-centric organisation – one that protects society while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. REDEFINING VIGILANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD Traditionally, Customs vigilance was most visible at the points of inspection – officers examining goods, documents, and passengers as they arrived. Modern Customs vigilance begins long before an aircraft lands or a vessel docks. Throughout 2025, the JCA expanded its use of digital integrations, analytics, and real-time data exchange to enhance early visibility of passengers and cargo. By leveraging interconnected systems and platforms, Customs officers are now better equipped to identify risks, target interventions, and prevent illicit trade before it reaches our shores. Advanced data analysis and business intelligence tools enable a proactive, intelligence-led approach to border management – strengthening enforcement outcomes while allowing compliant traders and travellers to move more efficiently. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in how Customs protects society in a complex global environment. A key pillar of this approach is enhanced data exchange at the local and internal level with other partnering regulatory and law enforcement Agencies. By ensuring consistency of information among key stakeholder groups, regulatory/industry partners, and Customs, the JCA has improved accuracy, reduced duplication, and strengthened controls. This integrated digital environment acts as a frontline defence – helps to deter illicit activity, protect revenue, and safeguard society, while allowing compliant businesses to move efficiently. IMPROVING THE PASSENGER EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITAL PROCESSING For the in excess of three million Jamaicans and visitors traversing our international airports, the most visible expression of Customs service is the arrival experience at these ports of entry. In 2025, the JCA continued to improve electronic passenger processing, making arrivals smoother, faster, and more secure. In partnership with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the traditional C5 passenger declaration has been transformed into a digital-first experience via the EnterJamaica platform and soon to be launched EnterJamaica (C5) mobile application for arriving passengers. This shift improves data quality and reduces manual handling while offering passengers greater convenience. The EnterJamaica (C5) mobile application is currently available in the App Store and Google Play, allowing users to familiarise themselves with the platform. Full operational rollout is scheduled for April 1, 2026, marking another important milestone in Jamaica’s journey toward seamless, technology-enabled border processing. CUSTOMS SERVICES AND TRACEABILITY – NOW IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND Beyond the airport, the JCA made significant strides in 2025 to bring Customs services directly to the public through its JaCustoms Connect mobile application. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and user empowerment. A major enhancement introduced during the year allows individuals importing personal items to submit their own declarations directly to Customs, make electronic payments, and track their transactions from start to finish. This open traceability gives users greater confidence and control, while strengthening accountability across the clearance process. By reducing paperwork, improving turnaround times, JCA’s digitisation advancements In partnership with the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the traditional C5 passenger declaration has been transformed into a digital-first experience via the EnterJamaica platform and soon to be launched EnterJamaica (C5) mobile application for arriving passengers. This shift improves data quality and reduces manual handling while offering passengers greater convenience.
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