Moving to Jamaica

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.

Cultural and Other Information