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CLEARING UNACCOMPANIED BAGGAGE. WHAT
YOU NEED TO DO.
Compiled from various books and experience
by Bill Evans
IMPORTANT NOTE: As soon as you are notified that
your goods have arrived in Jamaica and are ready for pick up, visit
their offices where the Bill of Lading is validated and a further
document Bill of Sight may be issued. Next, visit the Returning
Residents unit of the Customs Department at their Head Office to
attend an interview. The interviewing Customs Agent will determine
your eligibility and stamp your Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration
Form C.27. You must present your original shipping documents (Bill
of Lading, Airway Bill, etc.) at this interview. You must complete
the importation of your personal and household effects within six
(6) months of their being certified by the Customs Authorities.
Once the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form C.27 has been stamped,
you can turn the entire process over to a Licensed Customs Broker
who, for a fee, can process and deliver your goods to you at your
destination home or storage. You can do all the processing and pickup
yourself if you desire. Ask the Customs Manifest Branch at the Cargo
Section at the Port of Entry where your goods are located for assistance.
Even if you wish to bring into the country any small portable household
or other items as accompanied baggage, such items will be detained
at the port of entry by Customs and deemed dutiable until you have
visited the Customs Department to officially confirm your eligibility
for Returning Resident status.
TOOLS of the TRADE: Like the Personal or Household Effects may
be either new or used. To assist with the compliance to the rules
and regulations, you can provide documentary proof of your qualification
and/or experience in your profession, trade or occupation. Such
documentation could include:
- Certificate or Diploma from a recognized educational institution,
professional body or training establishment which has been notarized
or otherwise properly certified.
- References from a former employer or customer attesting to
your expertise in your designated field.
- Copies of professional or business directories in which the
service you offer is listed or otherwise shown.
You will need to supply comprehensive details on the Tools of the
Trade you wish to import. With used equipment, you need to also
provide a professional valuation as to their current condition and
worth, except if less than one (1) year old where original supplier's
invoice can be provided. To be considered "used", the
items of equipment should have been in your possession and in use
for a period of six (6) months or more. If you propose to acquire
new equipment, ask your supplier for a pro-forma invoice giving
full details of the items and their current price.
You are advised to visit or write your nearest Jamaican Consular
or Mission and provide them with all the information suggested above
concerning the Tools of the Trade you wish to import into Jamaica.
The Consular Officer will forward these documents on your behalf
to the Jamaicans Overseas Department in Kingston where they will
consult with the Customs Authority to verify whether the specified
Tools of the Trade will be allowed Duty Free entry. In the event
they do not qualify, the Overseas Department will give an indication
of the rate of duty which will be payable. This overall review process
should be completed within ten (10) working days and you will be
notified in writing.
Note: Only the Examining Officer on clearance of the items
when they arrive in Jamaica can make the final determination as
to the formal assessment of Customs Duty or compliance for Duty
Free status. Having this overall review at time of clearance could
be helpful if problems arise.
Source Jamaican Embassy
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