NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 26 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE AS THE Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) celebrates International Customs Day on January 26, 2025, under the theme: ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’, the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) stands out as a beacon of innovation and progress in trade facilitation. JSWIFT, a Government of Jamaica initiative, simplifies and streamlines cross-border trade by providing a centralised platform for submitting and processing trade-related applications. Since its inception, JSWIFT has revolutionised how traders interact with regulatory agencies, reducing transaction times and costs while enhancing efficiency and collaboration. In 2024, JSWIFT achieved remarkable milestones. With over 10,551 registered users, the platform processed 250,097 payments totalling over J$2.99 billion and issued some 218,095 permits, 13,385 certificates, and 4,644 licences. These numbers reflect a thriving system that continues to meet the growing demands of Jamaica’s trade community. To date, twelve (12) Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) have been integrated into the system, offering 86 import and export services. These include essential processes such as Motor Vehicle Dealership and Customs Broker Licensing, permits for Motor Vehicle and Equipment Imports, Agricultural Commodities, Pharmaceuticals, Medicaments, and Controlled Substances Imports, as well as Hazardous Substances and Veterinary Export Health Certificates. The inclusion of agencies such as the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA), the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), and the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) in 2024 further broadened the scope of services being offered. Upcoming plans include onboarding eight additional PGAs, which will include the Ministry of National Security (MNS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), and the National Environmental and Planning Agency (NEPA). These integrations will further streamline services, bringing all major trade-related processes under one digital umbrella. JSWIFT’s commitment to capacity building is evident in its robust training and awareness programs. In 2024 alone, 298 individuals were trained through 36 sessions, bringing the total number of training sessions since 2019 to 2,212. These efforts ensure that stakeholders, from traders to brokers, are wellequipped to navigate and use the platform to take full advantage of the services being offered. Leveraging technology, JSWIFT offers blended learning opportunities via its Learning Management System (LMS) and YouTube channel. With 46 videos and 57 training courses available, users have 24/7 access to resources tailored to their needs. JSWIFT’s Phase Two is set to deliver significant advancements, including faster system response times, enhanced identity verification services, and integration with the National Business Portal and other external services. A major milestone will be the acceptance of JAM-DEX, Jamaica’s Central Bank Digital Currency, as a payment method, aligning with the nation’s push toward digital transformation. The platform will also strengthen its data protection compliance and refine operational processes, ensuring it remains at the forefront of trade facilitation. JSWIFT exemplifies the government’s dedication to efficiency, security, and prosperity. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and integrating cutting-edge technology, it reinforces Jamaica’s position as a competitive player in global trade. As we celebrate International Customs Day, JSWIFT’s strides remind us of the transformative power of innovation and the collective effort required to build a more efficient and secure trade ecosystem. For more information on JSWIFT, visit www.jswift.gov.jm or contact the JSWIFT Client Services Team at support@jswift.gov.jm. Submitted by the JSWIFT Branch Jamaica Customs Agency JSWIFT: ADVANCING EFFICIENCY, SECURITY, AND PROSPERITY IN TRADE FACILITATION
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