Customs shows flexibility for the Christmas season

The Jamaica Customs Department has implemented a number of strategies which demonstrate their flexibility for the busy Christmas season.

Both Montego Bay and Kingston Port Handlers will be extending their work hours to facilitate the usual increase in the importation of goods. The department endorsed this effort, assessed its performance in previous years and made the necessary preparations in collaboration with the various ports to ensure increased efficiency in cargo clearance during the month of December.

In collaboration with the management of Kingston Wharves Limited (KWL), stripping and scanning of cargo will be done during the nights (9 p.m.-5 a.m.) and on weekends. Therefore, more time will be allocated to the release of cargo during daytime. Also, effective October 2010, an improved release system at KWL for goods being cleared on the C78X and C27 forms has been implemented.

"Importers who seek to effect clearance of items using these forms will no longer visit the customs officer after payment has been made at the cashier," the Customs Department said. "Upon making payment at the cashier, the release form will be generated. This, along with their copy of the C78X and the bill of lading, should be taken to KWL's gate pass office for the printing of their gate pass," the Department added. This new approach eliminates an entire step in the clearance process and allows for a speedier release.

Customs has also expanded its cashier area and added an additional window in the Manifest Branch for both Kingston and Montego Bay. "We have also separated manifest from commercial and personal effects goods to ensure faster manifesting and clearance of goods," Customs pointed out. "As is customary, staff has been trained for relocation to the ports to handle the influx of customers during the busy season."

In addition to the measures introduced by the Customs Department, KWL has announced that its offices will be open for three Saturdays during December. Additionally, Seaboard Warehouse in Montego Bay has stated that it will have operations on Saturdays, based on client request.

"Jamaica Customs will be doing our part during these operations, while constantly evaluating our procedures during the period for enhanced service delivery," the Department said. The extension of work hours at Customs House in both cities will be announced as the demand arises during the season.