The process of moving home can be daunting and exhausting but armed with the necessary information and a firm plan of action, the process can go fairly smoothly. Since its founding in 1992, Besco Shippers Inc., a Philadelphia-based company, has been assisting overseas nationals to resettle in their homeland, providing port-to-port and port to residence service as part of their large scale ocean and air transportation operation.

Having worked in the shipping industry for several years, and personally taking charge of the relocation efforts of scores of returning residents, we tapped Besco Shippers Inc. CEO, Mr. Anthony Harding for some practical advice on relocating to Jamaica. What can they expect, what are the requirements and what are the main questions returning residents usually want answered.

The following guide is provided courtesy of Besco Shippers Inc.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How long do I have to ship all my goods?

A: Within six months. An extension of this grace period may be granted in special circumstances.

Q: What year motor vehicle will I be able to import?

A: Currently used motor cars should not be more than 3 years old and 4 years for light commercial vehicles. An import license is needed to import such vehicles.

Q: Will my motor vehicle come in duty free?

A: No. All motor vehicles are subject to full customs duty.

Q: I own a Volvo 10 years old, can I ship it to Jamaica?

A: Yes, but you will need to get a waiver from the Trade Board Limited and the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Jamaica before the vehicle will be allowed entry.

Q: Can I ship home my medical equipment, plumbing equipment or studio equipment?

A: Yes. Items of this nature are called tools of trade and do qualify for duty free status.

Q: Will I be allowed to return with my pets?

A: Owner of pets must obtain a permit from the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. (Dogs not bred in the United Kingdom will not be allowed entry).

 

I’VE GOT TO GO BACK HOME

Who is eligible to be a returning resident?

• Jamaican national over 18 years of age living in a foreign country for more than three years.
• Student living in a foreign country for more than a year.
• Jamaicans who have US, UK or Canadian citizenship and who desire to return home.
• Deportees who have lived overseas for more than three years (Must provide proof of residency from country deported).
• Non Jamaican spouses also qualify for returning resident status.

Do I need a custom broker to clear my goods?

Yes, a licensed custom broker knows the requirements and procedures and can facilitate faster clearance and delivery of your goods.

How do I go about shipping my furniture or tools of trade?

• If returning with furniture or tools of trade it is best to use a 20/40 ft container.
• Use an established shipping company or freight forwarder who will pack your items and arrange for transportation and will issue a Bill of Lading.
• Make a comprehensive list of items you wish to take. This is called a manifest.

How long can I keep my cargo at the wharf before storage is incurred?

Once the cargo has arrived, the cargo is ready for processing. You have approximately seven days to claim your cargo before storage is applied.

 

UPON ARRIVAL IN JAMAICA

Step 1

Ask the custom official at the airport for Form C27 (Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form) or “Yellow Paper”. Once you have been notified that your container or goods have arrived and are ready for clearance, you should then visit the Returning Resident Unit of the Jamaica Custom Head Office located in Kingston/Montego Bay to attend a brief interview. You must take with you the following documents:

• Your passport
• Form C27 (yellow paper)
• Bill of Lading (validated)
• Manifest
• Documentary evidence to show that you resided outside of Jamaica for more than three years. These may include water bill, gas bill, phone bill, retirement letter, letter of separation from employer, the previous year’s tax return, pay stub,W2 form.
• Copy of retirement and pension papers.
• Proof that you are going to start a business.

When all of the criteria are met the interviewing officer will stamp the relevant form/s (C27) giving you the concessions and certifying  your Returning Resident status.

Step 2

Visit the Customs Manifest Branch located at the cargo section of the port of entry where your shipment is consigned. You should take with you the Bill of Lading and Form C27.

These documents will be validated by the custom officer in charge.

Wharf charges and relevant fees are applicable.

Step 3

Once your container is positioned at the container station, the Custom Examination Officer will cut the shipping seal. You are expected to be present when the container is being inspected. Most if not all of your goods/furniture will be examined, as presented on the shipping manifest. Items that are in excess will be subject to customs duty. After the inspection is complete, the container will be closed and a gate pass will be issued for removal.

Goods that are not duty free are building material, tyres, kitchen cabinets, motor bikes and automobiles.

Step 4

Once the container of goods is ready, arrangements should be made for trucking your cargo to your residence for off loading.

Usually, it is expected that helpers, friends, family members will be present to offload the cargo in a timely manner. The container is not yours to keep and it has to be returned to the port, usually the same day.

Fees are applicable when using the services of Licensed Custom Broker.

Now, welcome home!

 

ELIGIBILITY AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS

In order to qualify as a Returning Resident and benefit from the concessions relating to personal and household effects and/or tools of trade, the following requirements must be met:

• Be a Jamaican national who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years;
• Have been resident overseas for not less than three (3) consecutive years;
• Be returning to Jamaica to reside permanently.

Special Cases

• Non-Jamaican male spouses or persons who qualify for returning resident status are afforded the same concessions as their Jamaican partner.

This provision applied previously only to non-Jamaican female spouses of returning residents.

• A couple will be treated as one family if they return together

Spouses who do not return together but do so within three (3) years of each other are treated as one family and are entitled to only one (1) concession.

• Students who have attained the age of eighteen (18) years who have studied abroad for more than one (1) year, but less than three (3) years qualify for concessions in respect of tools of trade; some normally dutiable items which may be new or used; and used household effects.

Eligibility to receive concessions as a Returning Resident is determined by the Jamaica Customs Department. This must be sought after arrival in Jamaica, and before beginning the process of clearance of personal and household effects and tools of trade.

The importation of items should be done within six (6) months before or after the arrival of the returning resident.

It is necessary to attend an interview at the Returning Residents Unit of the Customs Department at the head office in Kingston or Montego Bay.

The following documents must be presented at the interview:

• Valid passport; if recently issued, expired passport must also be presented.
• Documentary evidence to substantiate residence outside of Jamaica for more than the last three (3) consecutive years (Short visits to Jamaica for vacation do not affect eligibility).
• Documentary evidence to substantiate intention to re-establish permanent residence in Jamaica.
• In the case of students, a letter from the university, college or educational institution attended, confirming the duration of the course of study or time spent at the institution.
• The Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form (C27) (obtainable at the airport/seaport on arrival in Jamaica);
• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) card
• Validated Bill of Lading

Documentation may include one of the following, but is not limited to:

ABROAD

• Notarized Letter of Separation from employer
• Tax returns for the last three (3) years
• Pay stubs,W2 forms for the last three (3) years
• Evidence of bills honoured
• Copy of Retirement Papers/Pension Advice
• Proof of recent disposal of property (for example, sale agreement)

JAMAICA

• Proof of property acquired/title
• Utility Bills
• Property Tax Receipts
• Lease Agreement/Rent Receipt
• Notarized Letter from prospective employer/ employment contract.

STUDENTS

• Copy of I-20 Form as appropriate
• Copy of Transcript

PROCEDURES FOR THE CLEARANCE OF UNACCOMPANIED LUGGAGE

• Interview at the Returning Residents Unit of the Customs Department (Full declaration of the items must be made).
• Inspection of the personal and household effects and tools of trade.
• Release of the personal and household effects and tools of trade.

Importation of Motor Vehicles

Any Jamaican over eighteen (18) years old may import two (2) motor vehicles, whether a motor car and a light commercial unit or two light commercial units.

Used vehicles should not be more than three (3) years old in the case of motor cars, or four (4) years old in the case of light commercial vehicles, at the time of importation.

Applications for the importation of classic/antique/limited edition motor vehicles MUST be accompanied by documentary support from the Jamaica Classic Car Club, as well as documentary evidence that the unit falls within the definition and categories specified by the Motor Vehicle Import Policy.

Prospective importers of vehicles for agricultural use seeking duty concession MUST FIRST obtain approval through the relevant parish office of the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) prior to importation. The Trade Board requires evidence of any duty concession An import licensee is NOT required for 7 the importation of oversized vehicles (heavy-duty trucks, tractors and trailers – three (3) tons and over unladen weight).

However, importers MUST FIRST obtain written permission from the Island Traffic Authority, which falls under the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, BEFORE importing such units.

A Certificate of Fitness is required only for motor vehicles to be imported from a country where it is a statutory requirement that vehicles be examined and certified prior to shipment. Vehicles imported from countries where they drive on the right must be modified to allow passengers to enter/exit on the curbside of the road and for the beam of the headlamps to reflect down on the left horizontal plane or up and down on the vertical plane.

Import licences issued by the Trade Board Limited are valid for the duration of the financial year in which they are granted, that is, the period 1st April to 31st March of any given year or remaining portion thereof.

An importer must obtain an Import License from the Trade Board BEFORE shipping the vehicle.

The importer should submit the application form (The Order and Clearance Permit) in triplicate to the Trade Board. These forms may be obtained from the Trade Board for a fee of J$35, or from the respective Missions overseas for a fee of US$1, CDN$1 or £1.

Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Pro-forma invoice from the dealer for a new vehicle.
• Certificate of title or registration
• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) (photocopy of both sides of the card should be attached).
• Certified copies of two (2) forms of identification which may be any of the following:
• Passport ( Bio-data pages )
• Driver’s licence (both sides)
• Electoral Identification Card

Copies of the identification documents must be certified by a Justice of the Peace/Notary Public or by a Consular Officer at any Jamaican Mission overseas.

The fee for the processing of the Import License is the equivalent of J$3,495 and is payable by cheque, international money order or postal order to the Trade Board Limited.This fee is non refundable.

Applications are processed within 24 hours of receipt by the Trade Board. The Import License must be collected in person or by a Customs Broker acting on the importer’s behalf or to an individual authorized by the importer.

Applications for an Import License may be made through the Trade Board Information System (TBIS). The Trade Board’s website at www.tradeboard.gov.jm provides details on this system.

The penalty for importing a motor vehicle without a valid import permit is a fine equivalent to three (3) times the value of the vehicle and seizure of the vehicle.

 

IMPORTATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

Animals

The importation of pets and other animals into the country requires a permit from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. This permit, which must be obtained prior to importation, attracts a fee. Certain conditions, as well as other customs, quarantine and veterinary fees are also applicable.

It should be noted that in the case of dogs and cats, only those that are born and bred in the United Kingdom may be imported into Jamaica.

Certification to this effect must be obtained from the relevant authority in the United Kingdom.

Plants & Plants Products

A phyto-sanitary permit is required for the importation of plants and plant products. The application for such permit should be submitted in writing to the Chief Quarantine Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and should indicate the items, quantities and country of origin.

Prohibited or Banned Substances

The importation of equipment and appliances containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) is prohibited.

Equipment such as, refrigerators/freezers and air-conditioners for domestic, commercial and motor vehicular use may fall in this category.

Details of prohibited or banned substances and goods may be obtained from the Trade Board.

General Goods

Returning Residents should also be aware of the possibility that certain goods might require an import permit or other certification. Therefore, it is advisable to clarify the status of a particular item with the Trade Board in the event of any doubt.

 

PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH IMPORT REGULATIONS

It is anticipated that most persons will comply with the various regulations and conditions relating to the concessions and assistance given to Returning Residents. In cases of abuse of any concessions, the law provides for a number of stiff penalties for non-compliance with the regulations and conditions.

Penalties include: Punitive customs duty; fines and confiscation of illegally imported items.

 

DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURE FOR CLEARANCE

• Import Licence
• Title
• Invoice-if the odometer reading is under 3000 miles
• Bill of Lading
• Bill of Sight
• Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) and Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), which can be obtained from the Tax Administration Services Department.
• C-78/ Import Entry – primary import document on which the particulars of the motor vehicle: the importer, shipment details, duties paid, are recorded. This is prepared and submitted to Customs by the licensed customs broker.

The services of a customs broker must be secured to clear the vehicle as the individual is not permitted to do so.

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Directory

Jamaican High Commission in the United Kingdom 1-2 Prince Consort Road London, SW7 2BZ England Tel: (44) 207 823 9911 Fax: (44) 207 589 5154 Email: jamhigh@jhcuk.com Website: www.jhcuk.com Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm Friday  9:00am – 4:00pm	Jamaican High Commission Ottawa Standard Life Building 275 Slater Street, Suite 800 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5H9 Canada Tel: (613) 233 9311 Fax: (613) 452 0611 Email: hc@jhcottawa.ca Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Embassy of Jamaica, Washington 1520 New Hampshire Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. 20036, USA Tel: (202) 452 0660 Fax: (202) 452 0081 Email: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org	Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami Ingraham Building 25 South East 2nd Avenue, Suite 609 Miami 33131, Florida, USA Tel: (305) 374 8431-2 Fax: (305) 577 4970 Email: jamconmi@bellsouth.net Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am- 12noon
Consulate General of Jamaica, Toronto 303 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4P 1L3 Tel: (416) 598 3008 (416) 698 3035/ 2639 Fax: (416) 598 4928 Email: congentoronto@on.aibn.com	Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) Head Office 18 Trafalgar Road Kingston 10 Tel: (876) 978 7755 (876) 978 3337 Toll free: 1- 877-INVESTJA (468-4352) Fax: (876) 946 0090 Email: jampro@investjamaica.com Website: www.investjamaica.com
JAMPRO London / Jamaica Trade Commission c/o Jamaica High Commission 1 Prince Consort Road London SW7 2BZ England Tel: (44) 020 7584 8894 Fax: (44) 020 823 9886 Email: jamprouk@investjamaica.com	JAMPRO North American Regional Office / Jamaica Trade Commission Jamaican Consulate-General 767 Third Avenue, Suite 221 New York, NY 10017 Tel: (212) 935 9000 (212) 308 5056 Toll free: 1-877-JAMVEST (526-8378) Fax: (212) 308 5230 Email: jamprony@investjamaica.com
Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (Montego Bay) Shop 40-41 Overton Plaza 49 Union Street Montego Bay, St. James Telephone: 952-5380-1 Fax: 940-6930	Office of the Commissioner of Police 101-103 Old Hope Rd Kingston 6 Tel: (876) 927 4421 (876) 926 8793 Fax: (876) 927-7516
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Hope Gardens Kingston 6 Tel:(876) 927 1743 (876) 927 1750 Fax:(876) 977 1875 Email: psoffice@moa.gov.jm Website: www.moa.gov.jm	Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Hope Gardens Kingston 6 Tel: (876) 977 1158-62 Fax: (876) 927 1592 Email: rada@cwjamaica.com
Besco Shippers Inc.  5425 Baltimore Avenue  Philadelphia, PA 19143  Office: (215) 472-3660  Mobile: (610) 453-7825	Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade 21 Dominica Drive P.O. Box 624 Kingston 5 Tel: (876) 926 4220 Fax: (876) 929 6733 Website: www.mfaft.gov.jm Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department Email: jodmfaja@cwjamaica.com
Consulate General of Jamaica, New York 767 Third Avenue New York 10017, NY, USA Tel: (212) 935 9000 Fax: (212) 935-7507 Email: cg@congenjamaicany.org Website: www.congenjamaicany.org Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm	JAMPRO Montego Bay UGI Building, 2nd Floor 30 Market Street Montego Bay, St. James Tel: (876) 952 3420 Fax: (876) 952 1384 Email:jamprombay@investjamaica.com
Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) 25c Constant Spring Road Kingston 10 Tel: (876) 754-PICA (7422) (876) 754-4742 Fax: (876) 906 4372 Email: info@pica.gov.jm	National Land Agency 93 Hanover Street Kingston Tel: (876) 922 7565 (876)922 8702 Email: asknla@nla.gov.jm
Ministry of Labour & Social Security 1F North Street Kingston Tel: (876) 922 9500 (Employment Section)         (876) 922 8000 (Welfare Section:) Fax: (876) 948 7042 Website: www.lmisele.org.jm	Ministry of Industry, Ivestment and Commerce 4 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Tele: (876) 968-7116 Fax: (876) 960-7422 Email: communications@miic.gov.jm www.mct.gov.jm
Ministry of Health 2-4 King Street Kingston Tel: 967-1101 Website: www.moh.gov.jm	National Land Agency 93 Hanover Street Kingston Tel: (876) 922 7565 (876)922 8702 Email: asknla@nla.gov.jm
Ministry of Labour & Social Security 1F North Street Kingston Tel: (876) 922 9500 (Employment Section)         (876) 922 8000 (Welfare Section:) Fax: (876) 948 7042 Website: www.lmisele.org.jm	Ministry of Industry, Ivestment and Commerce 4 St. Lucia Avenue Kingston 5 Tele: (876) 968-7116 Fax: (876) 960-7422 Email: communications@miic.gov.jm www.mct.gov.jm
The Trade Board Ltd. 107 Constant Spring Road Kingston 8 Tel: (876) 969 0883, (876) 969 2785 Fax: (876) 925 6513,(876) 925 6526 Email:tboard@colis.com Website:www.tradeboard.gov.jm	Consumer Affairs Commission 1B Holborn Road Kingston 5 Tel: (876) 926 1650-2 (876) 960 6825 Fax: (876) 968 8729 Email: cacjam@infochan.com Website: www.infochan.com/cac
Ministry of Education and Youth 2 National Heroes Circle Kingston 4 Toll free: 1(888)991-2070 Tel: (876)922-1400 Website: www.moeyc.gov.jm	Ministry of Finance & Planning 30 National Heroes Circle Kingston 4 Tel: (876) 922 8600-9 Fax: (876) 922 7097 Email: info@mof.gov.jm Website: www.mof.gov.jm
Tax Administration Services Department Head Office 12 Ocean Boulevard Kingston Tel: (876) 922 8691-4 Fax: 922-7110 Website: www.jamaicatax.gov.jm Email: tasdpr@cwjamaica.com	Jamaica Customs Returning Residents Unit Customs House, Newport East Marcus Garvey Drive P.O. Box 466 Kingston 15 Tel: (876) 750- 3005,922-5140-8 Fax: (876) 922-7600 Website: www.jacustoms.gov.jm Email: customsinfo@fiscal.org.jm
Collector of Customs Montego Bay Howard Cooke Boulevard Revenue Service Centre Building P.O. Box 232 Montego Bay, St. James Tel:(876) 952-3080 Fax:(876) 979-2827	Customs Brokers Association of Jamaica 14 First Street Kingston 13 Tel: (876) 901 3712, (876) 901 7405 (876) 901 8783 Fax: (876) 901 7405 Email: info@cbaj.org Website: www.cbaj.org
Kingston Wharves Limited 3rd Street, Newport West, Kingston 11 Tel: (876) 923 9211-8 Fax: (876) 923 5361 Website:www.kingstonwharves.com.jm	Real Estate Board 8 Dominica Drive Kingston 5 Tel:(876) 926-9748/9 Fax:(876) 926 0001 Website: www.reb.gov.jm Email: info@reb.gov.jm

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Bill of Lading: a document issued by a carrier to a shipper, listing and acknowledging receipt of goods for transport and specifying terms of delivery. (Source: education.yahoo.com)

Manifest: a shipping document that lists all freight or cargo items for a specific voyage. The manifest is required by customs agents when checking international shipments. (Source: businessdictionary.com)

Bill of Sight: Documented request by an importer to custom authorities for permission to examine the shipment that has arrived, without a full set of documents or without full particulars. (Source: businessdictionary.com)