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Customs and restricted items

What to know before you buy, so your package clears Jamaica Customs without delays.

When customs charges applyShipments worth US$100 or less usually come in without customs duty. Once a shipment is worth more than US$100, Jamaica Customs charges duty and taxes on the full value, not just the amount over US$100.
Buying several items at onceSeveral packages for the same person arriving together, or many of the same item, can be treated as goods for resale. Customs may then charge duty even if each invoice is under US$100. If you are buying a lot, spread your orders out and let each one ship before you place the next.
Upload your invoiceCustoms uses your invoice to work out what you owe. Upload it from your dashboard as soon as you order. Without it, your package can be held, or customs may set the value themselves. Want an idea of the charges first? Try our customs calculator.

Restricted items

These items need a permit, licence or certificate before they come into Jamaica. Get it from the agency listed, then send us a copy before your package ships. Without it, customs can hold or seize the package, and the owner can be fined under the Customs Act.

ItemWhat you needWho issues it
Meat, poultry and live animalsImport permit or certificateMinistry of Agriculture
Red peas (red kidney beans)Import permit and phytosanitary certificateMinistry of Agriculture
Fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, honey, cut flowers and onionsPhytosanitary certificate or import permitMinistry of Agriculture
Ground provisions (yam, potato and similar)Phytosanitary certificate or import permitMinistry of Agriculture
Milk powder and milk-based productsLicence or permitMinistry of Agriculture
Medicines, chemicals and herbal teasCertificate from the Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Affairs departmentMinistry of Health
Firearms and accessories, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, swords and toy gunsPermit or licence to importMinistry of National Security / Trade Board
SugarImport licenceTrade Board
Motor vehiclesImport licenceTrade Board
Alcohol in bulkSpirit Pool permitSpirits Pool Association
Coconut products: oil-producing seeds, edible oils and soapsPermitCoconut Industry Board
PesticidesPermitPesticides Control Authority
Two-way radiosLicence or approvalSpectrum Management Authority

Swipe the table sideways on your phone to see every column.

Not allowed into JamaicaCamouflage clothing and other military-style gear. This is reserved for the security forces, so please do not order it.
Our responsibilitySwift Route is not responsible for packages held, returned or seized by Jamaica Customs because a permit, licence or invoice was missing, or because the goods are not allowed. Not sure about an item? Ask us before you buy.

This list can change whenever the Government of Jamaica updates its rules. For the latest information, visit Jamaica Customs Agency.

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