Jamaica Customs to Expedite Release of New Vehicles for Dealers

Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is set to accelerate the release of new motor vehicles for authorized dealers, implementing an immediate release policy effective Monday, June 22, 2026. This enhancement to the Trade Facilitation Programme shifts vehicle verification from a mandatory pre-release process to post-clearance.

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This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to improving efficiency, productivity and the ease of doing business in Jamaica.

The decision follows an assessment that identified new motor vehicles imported by authorized dealers as low-risk. Previously, these vehicles required mandatory verification before leaving the port. The JCA stated that this change will reduce time, cost, and congestion at ports of entry.

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This is one part of a broader public sector modernisation agenda.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, emphasized that the move aligns with the government's productivity objectives. "This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to improving efficiency, productivity and the ease of doing business in Jamaica," Williams said. She added that the government will continue to review and simplify operating procedures to boost efficiency.

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For years, new motor vehicles imported by authorised dealers had to be physically verified before they could leave the port. This change will reduce time, cost and congestion at our ports of entry.

Acting Commissioner of Customs, Kirk Benjamin, noted that the previous system imposed unnecessary delays and costs on a low-risk import category. "For years, new motor vehicles imported by authorised dealers had to be physically verified before they could leave the port. This change will reduce time, cost and congestion at our ports of entry," Benjamin stated. He reiterated that this is an expansion of the Trade Facilitation Programme, targeting a group of authorized dealers with high compliance and a low-risk profile, making them ideal for post-clearance verification.

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These vehicles come from a small group of authorised dealers, in high volumes, with a high level of compliance, and they present a very low risk profile. That combination makes them an ideal fit for post-clearance verification.