The local distributive trade in Jamaica is regulated through three main agencies - the Fair Trading Commission (FTC), Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), and Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ). The BSJ is the agency directly responsible for maintaining quality standards for all products and goods, whether imported or locally manufactured.
Almost all goods may be imported freely, but a small list of items still require an import permit. They are certain fresh fruits and vegetables, some pharmaceutical products, explosives, firearms, ammunition, as well as motor vehicles.
Prohibited Imports
Jamaica prohibits the import of the following items: dogs for racing; dog racing equipment; tablets containing a combination of methaqualone and diphenhydraine hydrochloride; certain brands of crayons from China and Thailand; all items banned under the Customs Act and the Plants Protection from Disease Act; animals and carcasses of animals prohibited under the Animals Diseases and Importation Act; arms and ammunition, except with the permission of the Commissioner of Police; brandy of a lower strength than 30 degrees per centum under proof, unless it is proved that it has been matured for a period not less than ten years; base or counterfeit imitation coin of any country; coin, silver, or any money not of the established standard in weight and fineness; opium and dangerous drugs; essence of brandy or whisky or flavoring essences except as approved by the Minister; indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, films, etc.; oil of gin or cognac, except as approved by the Minister; rum coloring solutions; spirits and wine, unless specifically imported with casks or other vessels of at least nine gallons content or in glass or stone bottles with each case containing not less than one gallon; fictitious stamps and instruments; and sugar, except under license.
Documents Required
The following documents are required when importing in Jamaica: bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, supplier invoice, packing list, declaration of value.
Certain products may also require phytosanitary certification. Importers may be required to show the import license. The following goods still require this license: milk powder, refined sugar, plants and parts of plants for perfume or pharmaceutical purposes, gum-resins, vegetable saps and extracts, certain chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, arms and ammunition, and certain toys, such as water pistols and gaming machines. The Trade Board, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Technology, is responsible for granting licenses.
The importer may also be required to present a tax compliance certificate for the importer, a Business Enterprise Number (BENO) and a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN).
Import Tariffs
As a part of CARICOM, a Common External Tariff (CET) in Jamaica is normally applied to goods entering any of the CARICOM member-countries. The government embarked upon a tariff reform program whereby the duty rates are gradually being reduced from as high as 200%. Duty rates (CET) are now typically in the range of 15 to 20% but there are several exceptions.
Labeling and Marking
The Jamaican Bureau of Standards administers the Standards Act, Processed Food Act and Weights and Measures Act. According to this Acts, products imported into Jamaica must be properly labeled as required by the labeling standards. All goods should be labeled in English and should include the proper name of the product, an accurate declaration of the contents, an accurate description of the ingredients, a date mark or date of minimum durability as well as the name and traceable business address of the processor, manufacturer, packer, importer or distributor and the country of origin. | 
