To protect local producers and generate revenues, significant import duties are applied to certain agricultural products (such as chicken and vegetables) and consumer goods. Items such as beverages and tobacco, motor vehicles, and some agricultural products carry an additional stamp duty (ASD) and a special consumption tax (SCT). Most imported items, in commercial quantity, are also subject to a 21.5 percent General Consumption Tax (GCT).

There is a Standards Compliance Fee (SCF) of 0.3 percent, collected by Jamaica Customs on behalf of the Jamaica Bureau of Standards. The Bureau verifies product requirements, including labeling standards. There is also an Environmental Levy of 0.5 percent on the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value on imports to Jamaica.

Strict regulations govern the importation of drugs and pharmaceuticals for safety, efficacy, and quality. The Food and Drug Act requires all drugs distributed or sold in Jamaica to be assessed and registered. Clinical tests of drugs and their side effects are reviewed with special attention paid to stability under the high temperatures and humidity typical of the tropics. Generally, a drug will not be admitted for use in Jamaica until it has been safely used in the country of origin for a period of more than a year.

For more information and help with trade barriers please contact:

Contact the Office of Trade Agreements Negotiations and Compliance (TANC) to report a barrier by emailing tanc@trade.gov, calling 202-482-1191, or by visiting our website at https://tcc.export.gov