Customs announces temporary waiver for medical and personal care imports

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has announced a temporary waiver of import permits for a wide range of medical and personal care items, a measure designed to accelerate hurricane relief operations and significantly reduce clearance times at the ports.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of Customs, Dr Velma Ricketts Walker, made the announcement during a recent virtual town hall hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC, where she provided an update on Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

"The Ministry of Health and Wellness has waived the import permits until March 31, 2026, for several items, including over-the-counter medication, personal care items, sanitisers, disinfectants... first-aid kits and water-purification tablets," she outlined.

Dr Ricketts Walker stated that the decision is intended to speed the delivery of urgently needed supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, noting that it also removes a major cause of delays in cargo processing.

She noted that removing the permit requirement has already reduced processing times for relief shipments, particularly those carrying medical and hygiene essentials from groups and individuals.

Dr Ricketts Walker said the measure is part of a coordinated national effort involving Jamaica Customs, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), health authorities, port operators, shipping agents, and airline operators, to ensure priority goods reach affected communities without procedural delays.

She underscored the commitment to maintaining systems that support relief, recovery and rebuilding.

- JIS

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