Government Creating Modern Customs Act

• The Jamaica Customs Act, which is to be repealed and replaced, will provide a modern framework that further enhances the ease of doing business. The Act, which is currently before a Joint Select Committee of Parliament, will improve customs practices and procedures to facilitate trade effectively and efficiently. 
• Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill said that the modernization is expected to bring significant benefits to the trading community by improving customs clearance and revenue collection, simplifying procedures for businesses, and providing more efficient service delivery to the general public. 
• “With these changes, Jamaica will be in a better position to offer diversified export products within new markets, creating greater opportunities for stakeholders within the industry through the local business community,” he said. 
• While the Ministry is committed to ensuring that Jamaica takes advantage of growing near-shore opportunities, especially by expanding Special Economic Zones (SEZs), it has to be supported by the right governance and legislative frameworks. This is expected to increase access to wide international markets through accredited testing, inspection and certification services and reduced trade costs for exporters and manufacturers.
• In addition to improving legislation, the ministry is also updating the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a web based portal that supports paperless declaration processing through the use of electronic documents. The update will allow it to function in an even more customer-friendly manner and with ease and efficiency.

(Source: JIS News)