The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) announces changes to its Trade Facilitation Programme that will speed up the release of new motor vehicles imported by authorised new car dealers. Under the updated process, vehicles that previously required mandatory verification before leaving the port will instead undergo post-clearance verification. The change takes effect Monday, June 22, 2026.
Jamaica’s Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the adjustment supports the government’s productivity and public sector modernisation objectives, aiming to improve efficiency and the ease of doing business. The JCA says the decision follows ongoing assessment showing that imports of new motor vehicles by authorised dealers are low risk.
Acting CEO and Commissioner of Customs Kirk Benjamin says the former system involved physical verification that added time and cost and contributed to port congestion for a category of imports considered to have minimal risk. He adds that the update is part of a broader programme rather than a one-time change and that physical inspection resources can be redirected to other areas. The initiative is expected to reduce clearance delays and create a more predictable environment for compliant, legitimate businesses.
