Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Jamaica accepts the following items as document shipments.
- Advertising literature and pamphlets
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints and drawings
- Business cards
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, and drafts
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and maps
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Manuscripts and publications
- Mylars
- Newspapers and periodicals
- Passports
- Photographs
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped as documents if they abide by the
conditions listed.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Brochures | Maximum of 2 brochures |
| Envelopes | Blank only |
| Forms | Blank only |
| Magazines | Maximum of 3 magazines |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for internal company use |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
There are no exemptions from duty and taxes on gifts shipped to
Jamaica from Canada.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipped from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Jamaica will incur duty and taxes. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Jamaica
will be charged duty and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a Canadian business ships a gift to an individual in Jamaica, it
will attract duty and taxes. There are no exemptions.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
All gifts shipped to Jamaica from Canada will incur duty and taxes.
Ensure to wrap and tag each gift in the parcel separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/service/personal-importing
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/content/what-are-my-duty-free-allowances-and-exemptions
Shipping Personal Effects
Used personal effects shipped to Jamaica from Canada are exempt from
duty charges providing:
- They have been in the owner's possession for a reasonable period of
time
- They are not to be sold after entry to Jamaica
NOTE:
Unaccompanied personal
effects shipped in a barrel will incur a clearing cost of JA$6,500
(about $55 CAD).
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily to Jamaica to study and shipping their personal effects.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving
temporarily to Jamaica.
Moving Permanently
Residents of Jamaica who have been living in Canada may ship their
personal effects to Jamaica for permanent residence exempt from
customs duty.
A complete list of personal effects and their quantities allowed in a
shipment can be found here.
The conditions of a duty-free shipment include:
- Residency in Canada for 3 consecutive years, this includes deportees
- Exemption is granted providing one person of the couple is a
Jamaican Resident
- There is one concession granted to a returning family
- If spouses return separately, only one concession is granted if they
return within 3 years of each other
- Unaccompanied shipments require completion of form C27
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- For unaccompanied baggage, a completed form C27 is required
- For residents returning permanently, Taxpayers Registration Number
(TRN)
- Documents to prove Canadian residency for 3 or more consecutive
years
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/service/passengers
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/service/personal-importing
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/default/files/returningresidentslisting-newentitlements_0.pdf
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/article/customs-house-weekly-series-13
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/service/returning-resident
https://u3v.7d0.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Returning-Citizens-Information-Guide-dd-17th-July-2018.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Food may be shipped to Jamaica from Canada for personal use without
the requirement of a veterinary import permit though they may undergo
a veterinary inspection.
You May Ship
- Salted fish (up to 10 kg)
- Canned fish
- Baked goods
- Chocolate and candies
- Cereals
- Biscuits, crackers, and cookies
- Boxed baking mixes
- Condiments preBoxed baking mixespared sauces without meat products
- Infant formula (commercially prepared, sealed, and labelled -
maximum of 45 kg)
Do Not Ship
- More than 45 kg of a foodstuff
- Honey, and its by-products
- Beef and its by-products
- Processed lobster and conch
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://moa.gov.jm/content/non-commercialpersonal-imports-animal-animal-products-and-animal-related-products-through-1
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped abroad to elicit sales and display
products to future clients.
Commercial samples shipped to Jamaica from Canada will require a
deposit in the amount of duty and taxes owed. The deposit will be
fully refunded if the samples are returned to Canada within 6 months
of their arrival in Jamaica.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/tags/Travellers
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising and promotional material - brochures, catalogues,
pamphlets - may be shipped to Jamaica from Canada providing they are
distributed at no cost.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/default/files/docs/Free%20of%20Charge.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment shipped to Canada for repair will, upon its return to
Jamaica, incur duty charges unless it can be shown the repair work was
done under warranty.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty shipped from Jamaica to Canada for repair
will be duty-free upon returning to Jamaica. This will apply to the
labour cost and any new parts required for the repair.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is shipped to Canada for
repair will incur duty when it re-enters Jamaica.
Sending Product for Repair to Jamaica
There is no information at this time regarding equipment shipped to
Jamaica from Canada for repair.
Returning Repaired Product to Jamaica
When a repaired product is returned to Jamaica from Canada, duty will
be owed if the work was not covered by a warranty.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Jamaica or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/default/files/docs/Warranty%20Charges.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Items shipped to Jamaica from Canada as a temporary import must be
covered by a deposit in the amount of applicable duties. The deposit
will be refunded provided the items are returned to Canada within 3
months of their arrival (6 months for commercial samples).
NOTE:
An application for an
extension of the time can be made to the Collector of Customs before
the 3-month time limit.
Goods typically allowed entry for temporary admission include:
- Equipment for a manufacturing process
- Items for stage and musical productions
- Materials and items for conferences, exhibition, and fairs
- Commercials samples
ATA Carnets
Jamaica does not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/article/customs-house-weekly-series-28
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mgxevi9ch6ne7xp/AAAeYRDhz80EkM6HU7p_dLgKa/Temporary%20Import%20Using%20ASYCUDA%20World%20-%20Version%201.0.pdf?dl=0
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Sold goods shipped to Jamaica from Canada are classified as a
commercial import if they are for business purposes, for resale, or
samples for a business transaction. All of these shipments, regardless
of value, will incur duty and taxes.
Occasional Shipper
Goods sold for personal use, for e.g. from eBay, will be duty and tax
free if the shipment's FOB (free on board) value is $50 USD (about $65
CAD) or less.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Jamaica, we recommend the use of a
Jamaican licenced customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/service/commercial-import
https://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/sites/default/files/jca_ecommerce.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Elizabeth Sommerville
8 Trelawny St.
Falmouth
JMCTY07
Jamaica
Phone: 1 - 876 - 954 - 3228 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Questions
about Shipping to Jamaica
Can I ship to Jamaica?
Shipping to Jamaica from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Jamaica by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Jamaica?
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