NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025 40 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY/CUSTOMS WEEK FEATURE THE PLANT Quarantine/ Produce Inspection (PQ/PI) Branch proudly participates in Customs Week 2025, under the theme: “Customs, Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and the PQ/PI Branch collaborative partnership has helped tremendously in fulfilling our mandate to protect Jamaica from the introduction and spread of plant pests. This collaboration has fostered in safeguarding Jamaica’s plant health and ensuring food security. PQ/PI Branch: Regulating and Facilitating Trade The PQ/PI Branch regulates the trade of fresh agricultural produce by inspecting and certifying plants, plant products, and other regulated articles in international trade. Its primary objective is to prevent the entry of exotic pests, which pose significant risks to Jamaica’s flora and biodiversity. The PQ/PI Branch urges the public to consult with us regarding plant import permits before importing any plant material into the country. Import permits are mandatory for all plants and plant products entering Jamaica, regardless of quantity, size, or mode of transport (e.g., personal luggage, courier shipments, or commercial cargo). Upon submission of an import permit application, an assessment is conducted to ascertain the potential risks based on factors such as the type of product, pests associated with the product, and the country or region of origin. These risk assessments guide the conditions outlined on the issued import permit. THE RISKS OF ILLEGAL IMPORTS Importing plants and plant products without a permit can have serious consequences. Illegal imports may introduce pests and diseases that threaten Jamaica’s agriculture and ecosystems. While some individuals may import plants and plant products with good intentions, these actions can inadvertently harm Jamaica’s environment and food security. To protect the agricultural sector and ensure environmental sustainability, all individuals are strongly encouraged to follow the proper procedures for importing plants and plant products. To apply for a Plant Import Permit, visit: https://www.jswift.gov.jm/ or contact the PQ/PI Branch for assistance at: • Email: ppq@moa.gov.jm • Phone: 876-977-0637 / 876-977-6401 PQ/PI Initiatives: Balancing Trade and Border Protection As Jamaica becomes more integrated into the global community, the PQ/PI Branch recognises the dual challenge of enhancing international trade whilst protecting against transboundary pest threats. In response, the PQ/PI Branch has implemented several key initiatives: • Deployment of smart technologies, such as smart traps, to improve pest surveillance. • Modernised export infrastructure with enhanced inspection facilities and equipment. • Implementation of online trade systems, including the Single Window for trade permits and the IPPC Generic Electronic Phytosanitary Certificate System (ePhyto). • Organisational modernisation to streamline trade and improve market access. • Establishment of a canine unit to strengthen port security. • Enhanced communication and collaboration with stakeholders to increase operational efficiency. COLLABORATION WITH JAMAICA CUSTOMS The PQ/PI Branch and the Jamaica Customs Agency has consistently and continuously collaborated to protect Jamaica’s borders against plant pests. This partnership includes compliance inspections, pest surveillance, public awareness campaigns, post-entry audits of facilities, and the integration of technology such as the Single Window system to streamline trade processes. These collaborative strategies are crucial in protecting Jamaica’s agricultural sector resulting strongly in maintaining the integrity of our plant health systems. Strengthening this partnership remains essential for safeguarding trade and agriculture. The PQ/PI Branch remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting Jamaica’s plant health whilst supporting the growth of international trade. By leveraging strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and continuous improvements to its processes, the PQ/PI Branch aims to balance effective border protection with trade facilitation. Together with its partners, the PQ/PI Branch is dedicated to ensuring the prosperity and security of Jamaica’s agricultural sector. Submitted by the Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection Branch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining PLANT QUARANTINE/PRODUCE INSPECTION (PQ/PI) BRANCH SUPPORTS CUSTOMS WEEK 2025 The PQ/PI Branch regulates the trade of fresh agricultural produce by inspecting and certifying plants, plant products, and other regulated articles in international trade. Its primary objective is to prevent the entry of exotic pests, which pose significant risks to Jamaica’s flora and biodiversity.
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