Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

In order to protect local producers, significant import duties remain on certain agricultural products (such as chicken and vegetables) and consumer goods.  Certain items such as beverages and tobacco, motor vehicles, and some agricultural products carry an additional stamp duty (ASD) and special consumption taxes (SCT).  Most imported items, in commercial quantity, are also subject to a 21.5 percent General Consumption Tax (GCT).

There is a Standards Compliance Fee (SCF) of 0.3 percent, collected by Jamaica Customs on behalf of the Jamaica Bureau of Standards.  The Bureau verifies product requirements, including labeling standards.  There is an Environmental Levy of 0.5 percent on the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value on imports to Jamaica.

Strict regulations govern the importation of drugs and pharmaceuticals for safety, efficacy, and quality.  The Food and Drug Act requires all drugs distributed or sold in Jamaica to be assessed and registered.  Clinical tests of drug uses and side effects are reviewed with special attention paid to stability under high temperatures and humidity typical of the tropics.  Typically, a drug will not be admitted for use in Jamaica until it has been safely used in the country of origin for a period of more than one year.

For more information and help with trade barriers please contact:
International Trade Administration
Enforcement and Compliance
(202) 482-0063
ECCommunications@trade.gov

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.