In an effort to improve service to our valued clients, the Trade Board has amended existing and implemented new internal procedures to streamline the processing of licence applications. The combination of those new and amended procedures will result in a smoother, more predictable process.

In order for those procedures to deliver the projected efficiencies to our customers, importers are required to strictly follow the provisions and rules of the Motor Vehicle Import Policy (MVIP). Accordingly importers are reminded of the following:

1. The motor vehicle import policy (MVIP) requires that importers first obtain a permit before shipping licensable items to Jamaica. The policy further warns, that:

“Anyone who imports a motor vehicle or part thereof which requires an import licence without first obtaining a valid import permit will be liable for a fine equivalent to three (3) times the value of the goods plus seizure of these goods in accordance with section 210 of the Customs Act. Certified dealers are reminded that requirements of the policy apply to the importer on record. The use of a sub dealer or broker does not exempt the certified dealer from their responsibilities.”

The Trade Board will not, therefore, accept responsibility for breaches cited by Jamaica Customs if vehicles are shipped to and/or arrive in Jamaica prior to the approval of import permits.

1. The cancellation certificate/registration card is not an acceptable proof of the “model year” of a vehicle. The model year of Japanese domestic vehicles is determined by the Japanese age verification manual. Model years of all other vehicles are based on either the 8th character in the 14-character VIN or the 10th character in the 17-character VIN. Where the vehicle age cannot be verified from any of the abovementioned conventions, the Trade Board will rely on the ruling of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA). If after referral to the ITA the model year is still not determined, the vehicle in question ought not to be imported into Jamaica and, hence, the Trade Board will not grant a permit. (Please refer to item 1, above).

1. Applications will not be accepted for vehicles/commodities that do not conform to the MVIP or other relevant regulations.

We also advise that the Trade Board will only accept complete applications. A complete application is one that has all required supporting documents submitted and payment made. In order to provide equal access to our services, we cannot accept responsibility for or commence processing incomplete applications.

Effective April 1, 2009, therefore, the Trade Board will neither accept incomplete applications in our offices nor commence processing on-line applications until all required documents have been received in a prescribed format in our offices and verified as being complete and accurate. The prescribed formats include fax to 876-948-5441, scanning and e-mailing to info@tradeboard.giv.jm , uploading via the Trade Board’s website www.tradeboard.gov.jm  or by hand delivery to our offices. Our officers will contact on-line applicants to confirm the status of their applications. It is imperative, therefore, that all applicants provide their full names, full mailing addresses, telephone numbers (preferably more than one), e-mail addresses and alternative contact information, where necessary and available.

For further information please contact us by calling 867-967-0507 or e-mail to info@tradeboard.gov.jm .

 Trade Board Limited
March 13, 2009