NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 28 and registered growth of $9.7B or 3% from the $286.6B recorded for 2023 because of higher trade volume and value, inclusive of product and freight costs. Despite weather-related shocks, during the July to September quarter, which dampened economic activity, the CIF value of merchandise trade processed for the domestic market totalled $1,245.9B and reflected an increase of $46.0B, or 4%, when assessed against the base year’s CIF value of $1,199.9B. The other major component of the JCA’s tax revenue is travel tax. This revenue item demonstrated resilience as its outturn held firm at $28.0B for 2023 and 2024, despite adverse travel advisory and other events which may have led to a contraction in taxable passenger numbers. Exchange rate dynamics may have positively impacted the performance of the travel tax. Improved travel tax performance is anticipated during 2025, in light of the forecast for record-breaking tourist arrivals during this winter tourist season. Collectively, from international trade and travel, the JCA recorded total net revenue of $324.3B for the period January to December 2024, in comparison to the $314.6B recorded for 2023, with the growth attributable to the performance of merchandise trade. At the commodity level, this modest growth was driven largely by mineral fuels and oils, motor vehicles and their parts, household furniture, food and beverages, cigarettes, building products, toiletries and electricity meters. The JCA, as it continues to promote fiscal sustainability and economic growth, is committed to transparency, equity and continuous improvement. The digital transformation and process improvements are designed to make doing business easier, safer, and faster, while safeguarding the revenue. These improvements include the launch of our mobile app, JaCustoms Connect, which, to date, has processed over $9B in revenue, ASYCUDA World Enhancements, Jamaica Single Window for Trade, Contactless Clearance, and the Electronic Immigration/Customs Form (C5). The deployment of enhanced systems and procedures may not optimise value creation without bolstered human capacity. As such, the JCA undertakes significant investment in staff training and development, often with the support of local, regional and international partners. These efforts, along with the equitable collection and management of international trade revenue, ensure that Jamaica remains a competitive and attractive destination for both domestic and international investment. As a facilitator of trade and travel, the JCA recognises and applauds its clients’ contribution to the achievements highlighted. Continued compliance with the applicable laws and regulations is encouraged. This includes making correct and complete declaration of cargo and luggage. Item description and the associated tariff classification, all costs incurred, and the origin of goods, are important information to disclose. Your compliance promotes economic prosperity, one customs transaction at a time. Contributed by Shornalee Welcome-Jackson Senior Revenue Analyst Planning and Research Branch, JCA INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE The JCA’s revenue assurance mechanisms are designed with you in mind – equitable collection and revenue adequacy to support the GoJ’s socioeconomic programmes. These include valuation assessment and classification, passenger baggage and cargo inspection, post-clearance audit and arrears management. Through a risk-based approach, these activities are effected to ensure compliance with customs laws and regulations, as well as affiliate legislations. For instance, through the diligent effort of the Post Clearance Audit Team, additional revenue of $0.464B was assessed for calendar year 2024, and reflected a 61% increase from the $0.288B assessed for 2023. This additional assessment represented only 0.2% of the total merchandise trade revenue for 2024 but a significant step towards achieving equitable collection.
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