Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (data page and landing stamp) (2 copies)
- Work permit or residence permit if not a Jamaican citizen
- Unconditional stamp if Jamaican and arriving on foreign passport
- Tax compliance certificate for import of auto / commercial goods
- Tax registration number
- Inventory / packing list
- Unaccompanied baggage declaration form (C.27) provided at the airport upon arrival in Jamaica or at Customs interview
- Letter of employment
- Returning residents must also provide the following documents:
- Customs declaration form (C.5) provided to the Customs officer at the time of arrival
- Letternotarized by a J.P. confirming place of residence if staying with a friend or relative or a copy of rental / lease agreement, etc.
- Documents proving customer has lived outside of Jamaica for more than 3 years
- Document stating Customer’s intention to re-establish permanent residence in Jamaica
- Letter of separation from employer at origin (foreigners)
- Tax returns for the last 3 years (foreigners)
- Pay stubs, W2, P45 (foreigners)
- Invoices or bills from residence abroad (foreigners)
- Copy of retirement papers / pension advice, P60 (foreigners)
- Evidence of the disposal of property owned (foreigners)
- Copy of sale of agreement / purchase agreement (foreigners)
- Evidence of property acquired (returning citizens)
- Copy of utility bill, such as electric bill, water bill, etc. (returning citizens)
- Tax receipt (returning citizens)
- Lease agreement (returning citizens)
- Evidence of employment (returning citizens)
- Letter from institution attended (returning students)
- Copy of 1-20 ID (returning students)
- Copy of transcript (returning students)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
IAM Note: All documents should be originals or stamped by the J.P. as true copies.
Specific Information
- The owner of the goods must be in Jamaica during Customs clearance.
- Returning residents may import one new appliance or electronic equipment / computer, used household goods and tools of trade duty-free.
- Duty charges are determined after the examination of goods by Customs at the stripping station and are based on the CIF value.
- They are generally between 5% to 40% plus taxes of approximately 23.8% compounded, depending on the item assessed.
- Electrical and electronics equipment may not be compatible with the Jamaica electrical system 220 / 110V 50 cycle.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport
- OBL
- Import license (which must be obtained prior to import)
- Driver’s license (the owner of the goods can drive in Jamaica for 12 months before a Jamaican license is required)
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of title or registration documents
- Vehicles require an invoice detailing the model, accessories and CIF value
- Tax compliance certificate
- Import entry C78
Specific Information
- Used vehicles cannot be more than 5 years old and are taxable.
- A Customs broker must clear motor vehicles.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Permit from the veterinary division of the Ministry of Agriculture (must be obtained prior to import)
Specific Information
- Quarantine may be required.
- Only dogs and cats born and bred in the United Kingdom can be imported.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- New items (dutiable if less than 6 months old for non-returning residents and invoices must be provided)
- Firearms and ammunition (except where prior permission has been obtained from the Commissioner of Police and Trade Administrator) and drugs.
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.