Shipping items to Jamaica can feel like a daunting task, especially when trying to save space in a container. There are so many different elements, including container sizes, types, uses, modes of shipping, and pallet selection what can determine the cost. Of course, you’ll want to maximize the space in your container and make sure you are getting the best return on investment. Effective planning and the right organization are key elements in a cost-effective shipping strategy. The question is: How do you cut shipping costs and maximize the space in your container? Have a look at our tips below, where we focus on 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The main concern of most people who get in touch with us comes down to weight. “Will I get charged extra if I add X item in my container?” or “My items weight X kilograms. Can I ship it?” The surprising truth is that weight doesn’t matter. Whether you’re using a 40-foot container OR A 20-foot one, the same pricing rate will apply. So what are you charged for then? Volume. To simplify it, Space. To save money and ship the most possible products, you need to focus on space utilization. In a few words, placing as many items to fill up the space of the container to its full potential. Weight shouldn’t be your concern and extra charges do not apply.  Bear in mind that a 20-foot container can accommodate up to 25 cubic meters, while a 40-foot container can hold anywhere between 55 and 60 cubic meters. How we calculate and charge the volume The formula we’re using for calculating the volume is Height x Width x Depth = Volume. Shipping Cost = Volume x Shipping Rate (per cubic meter). To measure your items accurately use a tape measure. A very common question we get is “What if I mix up width or depth and I measure them wrong?”. Sometimes, it can get confusing. But here is the good news. It really doesn’t matter.  Whether you confuse depth for width or width for height, the final calculation cost will be the same. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] What is Flat Pack Furniture and why should you prefer it over others?  Flat packs are ready-to-assemble furniture or else self-assembly furniture which are produced in flat parts and can be assembled when purchased with minimal effort and without the need for special tools, at least in most cases. They’re packed in flat-packed boxes, at the time, separately, with all the necessary bolts and nuts for their assembly and with an instruction manual.  Based on the type of furniture, the components to assemble could be anywhere from 5 to 50.  IKEA is quite popular for its flat-pack retailed and flat-pack furniture delivery.  When shipping your furniture overseas, and planning to purchase furniture, we highly recommend going with the flat-pack version of them. Despite being affordable, it will save you plenty of space in the container and allow you to ship more items, saving on your total costs. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Utilizing hidden space gaps to save space in a container We’ve come across the same scenario numerous times. Customers shipping sofas, chairs, desks, tables, and other items that are not dismantled but yet again they have plenty of “empty space” in-between when wrapped and it is not utilized to its full potential. Then, they try to reposition items, stack them in a different way, trying to release space to fit everything. While those adjustments can work, we believe you can create the same effect with just a few small changes.   Let’s have a look at the images below:     [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] After removing the pillows from this sofa, there is plenty of space on it to attach other small packages or items, before shipping it to Jamaica. How about putting some stuff in boxes and attach them on top of it? So many alternatives to experiment with.   The same applies to furniture like desks, chairs, beds, and sofas.  Ideally, there is to be no empty space left in the container by the time you’ve loaded all your stuff. Of course, it’s impossible to reach its full capacity but keeping those standards in mind will help you maximize the space you got.  You don’t necessarily have to fill the empty space in your container exclusively with freight. You can add dunnage, matting, wood, or other material that can fill small spaces between cracks and crevices, minimize the shifting of contents, and absorb movement/shock. Securing items before shipping It’s very important to secure the items placed within, below, or above your furniture/other items in the best possible way. If an item cannot be secured with dunnage, you need to find alternative methods that prevent its movement like lashing with anchoring, blocking, or tie-downs. It’s very important to take every measure needed to prevent the contents from moving during shipping, as much as possible.  The shifting or tiling of freight, along with any lateral or longitudinal movement can not only put your container items in danger but also the people who interact with your container. Preparing your items for the container Before Caribshipping arrives to load and transport your items onto the cargo, you need to make sure you package it properly. 1 – Use only new boxes for packing. Household items like books can work well with a cardboard book carton, whereas for kitchen appliances and bedding you’ll need line cartons.  2 – Use bubble wrap or even linens to cushion fragile items like photo frames etc. 3 – Make sure all items are well secured in their boxes and use strong adhesive tape to close them. Label each box with a number and its contents. Ex. Bathroom supplies, box 3 of 10. Keep a record of your items and box numbers. If anything gets lost or damaged, it will save you tons of time and money.  4 – Couches,

You may need to prepare your vehicle for shipping to Jamaica for a couple of reasons. You may be a person traveling around the world, a vacationer, or a member of the military moving to another base. Or you might just be moving to Jamaica for a new beginning. Whatever the case might be, you’ve planned to ship your car to your new home.  Your vehicle, be it a car, a van, a track or a motorbike can easily be transported to Jamaica but before you ship it, you need to ensure that the vehicle will arrive safely with no damages or delays. Professional shipping companies like CaribShipping, can help you simplify the process, but you need to do your part too. Use our checklist below before you ship your vehicle and you will feel more than confident handling it to a company! Measure your vehicle In order to obtain a quote, you’ll need to check the dimensions of your vehicle.  Measure the maximum dimensions of the vehicle in each direction: A – Length [ from end to end] B – Width [The widest section of the vehicle, including  wide tires or mirrors] C – Height [this is the tallest part of the vehicle, i.e for trucks is the top exhaust] D – Make and Model E – Port of Discharge (Kingston/Montego bay) [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] NOTE: If measurements are not accurate there might be price changes in shipping cost or your vehicle might not be eligible for shipping. If you require us to measure the vehicle, Caribshipping does this for FREE if you visit our office. Choose your shipping container There are two methods to ship your vehicle. 1- A high volume metal container for most vehicle types. Container shipping offers great protection, especially for vintage cars, and involves special ramps that ensure your vehicle remains secure.  The containers come in two sizes, 20ft, and 40ft. To ship a single car you’d need a 20ft unit. For two cars, a 40ft unit would be the best deal. You can use the shipping container to move household items abroad, by adding them to the same unit as your car.   [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] 2 – A Flat Rack system is used for larger vehicles such as trucks. Flat racks are used mostly to ship oversized vehicles such as trucks, JCB Plant, box vans, and machinery.   Flat racks are being built in such a way that they can take harsh weather conditions and very heavy loads up to 40 tonnes Flat racks can be stacked on a ship once the cargo is within the specified size restrictions and interlock. Shipping your containers to Jamaica doesn’t have to be a daunting task. When you work with Carib Shipping to handle your London to Jamaica shipping, you can sit back, relax, and watch us tackle the hard work. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] Declare the duration of the export The duration you’ll be exporting will determine what documents you’ll need and is required to be declared to the overseas customs and the UK authorities when preparing your vehicle from shipping to Jamaica.  For vehicles exported for under 12 months, you must apply for a Registration Document (V5) / Certificate (V5C) at a DVLA Local Office using a V62 form and take it with you. If it’s a permanent export for 12 months or more, you must inform the DVLA.  Research Jamaica’s duties, vehicle tax, and regulations When your vehicle arrives in Jamaica, it will go through customs and will be inspected before release. This includes custom feed and import duties that need to be paid so ensure you do your research to avoid unexpected costs. That’s why when you prepare your vehicle for shipping, is essential to make thorough research on Jamaica’s regulations. , In Caribshipping we’re always happy to help with any questions, so feel free to contact us.  Have your documentation ready Before you ship your vehicle to Jamaica you need to put all necessary documents together. You’ll need at least a proof of ownership and your vehicle’s V5 document. In addition, you might as well need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), valid driving license, photo identification and possibly an export certificate of your vehicle’s history for customs to check if there are any outstanding payments on file.    [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Specifically, these are the documents you need to acquire to be able to ship your vehicle to Jamaica: 1 – The V5 registration document (to ensure the vehicle is not reported stolen and is free of finance, a Police and HPI check will take place). 2 – A car key that will accompany them during transit. 3 – An import license (unless a registered dealer will clear your vehicle) You will need to obtain a Tax Compliance Certification from the Main Tax office in Jamaica in order to acquire an import license. This is needed to verify whether the person clearing the vehicle has its Tax status up-to-date, with NHW and NIS contributions paid up-to-date.  4 – Certificate of pre-shipment inspection for the vehicle.  The Trade Board Ltd will no longer issue import licenses for used vehicles that are imported without a valid pre-exportation inspection certificate by individuals or businesses. As of February 1, 2018 (PSIC). The PSIC/DDC aims to change the Used Motor Vehicle by guaranteeing the high quality and standard of vehicles imported for use on the roads of Jamaica. Read more about all the necessary documents here.    And these are the documents that need to be acquired to clear your vehicle when it arrives in Jamaica: 1 – For all motor vehicles or motorcycles, a supplier’s invoice in your name is needed. 2 – Bill of Sight. This is a paper that documents descriptions of the car or motorcycles to be imported. It is prepared and signed by a customs broker and is approved by the customs authority. 3 – Simplified Administrative Document (eSad): An electronic document with all the descriptions of the vehicle, the name of

Finding a Job in Jamaica Moving to Jamaica is an exciting decision. Jamaica is a developing country with a diverse economic system; that is, the private sector and the state lead the economy. The primary industries are tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and insurance and financial services. Currently, the average monthly salary after taxes is $ 1,000. In addition, English is a widely spoken language in Jamaica. Employment opportunities for foreigners in Jamaica are somewhat limited, as local residents are theoretically given priority in the workplace to ensure that unemployment does not rise too high. That said, for specialized tasks with complex skills, you’re likely to have better luck. The employer should ask you for a work permit, then you should wait and hope that the Labor and Social Security Department feels generosity. Economic development projects are underway in the Kingston Harbor area, which will also increase employment opportunities. Construction is also expanding, although most jobs in this sector are being taken by locals. However, if you have specialized skills in this field, you may want to look into employment opportunities. Working Hours and Benefits in Jamaica Seven days a week, including Sunday, are now considered working days. The workweek is limited to 40 hours, and you can work up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. You will get overtime if you work outside of these hours. The minimum wage is 7,000 JMD ($ 52) for a 40-hour workweek. You are entitled to a maximum of 2 weeks’ sickness benefit but the amount depends on how long you work for your employer. If you are pregnant, you are also entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave if you have worked for your employer for one year but you will be only paid for 8 weeks. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Annual leave is complex and depends on the length of your work, but on average you are entitled to 2 weeks of leave per year. Your spouse does not need a work permit if you are a Jamaican citizen, but if you are not, they can’t work on a visa and will need a separate permit if he/she is moving to Jamaica with you. If you are a citizen of the Commonwealth, your dependents (over the age of 18) can apply for a work permit upon arrival in Jamaica. Requirements to Start Working in Jamaica as an Expat When moving to Jamaica, without a work permit, you cannot legally work there but you must have a job offer before you can apply to the Labor and Social Security Administration (MLSS). You may apply for a permit at the time of your arrival in the country if you are a citizen of the Commonwealth.  U.S. citizens who are not Commonwealth citizens should ensure that they obtain a work permit before applying for a work visa at the Jamaican Embassy or Consulate. The requirements mean that your employer will make most of the requests for you, but you will still need to provide: work permit application (you must complete the first part and the employer must do the rest) a letter from the employer describing the nature of the job and the reason why the Jamaican candidate could not be hired your CV (s) your qualifications (you must obtain apostille certificates or diplomas) Updated police inspection 2 photos 2 copies of your passport a complete tax registration request in the form of a tax certificate You will have to pay an application fee, the amount of which depends on your profession – you can check this with the MLSS. If you are self-employed, you can apply for a work permit through the MLSS. You will need the following documents: nature and duration of the work certified copies of your credentials 2 passport photos your CV (s) Updated Police Authority File You will need to pay a non-refundable processing fee of JMD$14,400 (US$109) but you will then need to pay for the permit itself (the duration of the permit determines the cost of it). Besides your work permit, you’ll also need an entry visa: certain countries have mutual visa arrangements with Jamaica, and before you formalize your arrangements you will be allowed to stay on the island for a limited period. If you have a specialization or other qualifications and experience in the music or mining sectors, you might want to consider Jamaica as an option. Tourism in Jamaica continues to be a booming area: the Tourism Minister has projected that the tourism sector will provide 41,000 new jobs on the island by 2022. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] Apply For A Visa/Permit when Moving to Jamaica If you are planning on visiting, working, or moving to Jamaica, you will need to apply for a visa. Read more about this process below. Visas If you are a British citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Jamaica and you are generally entitled to entry for up to 90 days. The date you must leave Jamaica will be stamped on your passport. If you wish to continue your stay after that date, you will have to apply to the Jamaican immigration authorities, but the government says Commonwealth citizens can be granted a maximum period of one year. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need a visa for up to the first six months on the island, and you can request an extension from the immigration authorities. If you are visiting the island on a cruise, you do not need a visa, although you will need to bring your passport/travel documents. The Embassy of Jamaica, the High Commission, the Consulate General, or the local consulate is responsible for issuing your Visa for entry. Only if you have applied for a residence permit you can apply for a long-stay visa. You need to submit your application in person for this kind of visa, and even children under the age of 18 must apply in person. The following documents are required to apply for

Jamaican Currency (J$ or JA$) The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (J $ or JA $). Jamaican banknotes have a face value of $ 100, $ 500, $ 1,000 and $ 5,000. Jamaican coins have a face value of $ 1, $ 5, $ 10, and $ 20 (older coins that currently have no real value but are still legal are denominated in 1, 10, and 25 Jamaican cents). Most Jamaican places, even in remote areas of the island related to the tourism industry, accept Jamaican dollars and US dollars. Places that are far from the main tourist areas, far from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, etc., and that are not related to the tourism industry, usually use only Jamaican dollars.   Exchanging British Pound to Jamaican Dollars Jamaican dollars are available from banks, stock exchanges and hotels. However, because each merchant can set their own exchange rate, places located outside tourist areas usually offer very low exchange rates for all foreign currencies if they usually price their goods and services in Jamaican dollars.  Also, be careful with airport exchange rates. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, and Jamaican dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Custom_HTML”][/siteorigin_widget] However, holding cash British pounds still requires conversion. The British Pound is a highly convertible currency. The same goes for the Euro and the Canadian dollar. If you have pounds, you have two options. You can only convert them to U.S. dollars if you plan to use this currency first, but we recommend that you convert them directly to Jamaican dollars. The use of Jamaican dollars is often cheaper in smaller guest houses, local shops, and restaurants because of local exchange rates. What to be aware of when exchanging Jamaican currency You should also exchange Jamaican coins back to your local currency, if possible, before leaving Jamaica, as they won’t have any when you return home. We recommend that you convert only the amount you need to avoid charging two exchange fees (fees for converting currency into Jamaican dollars or US dollars and then back to British pounds). Also, do not Convert British Pounds to US Dollars in your home country, and then Convert US Dollars to Jamaican Dollars in Jamaica. Avoid additional conversion fees by converting only from British Pounds to Jamaican Dollars or US Dollars, and preferably do the conversion in Jamaica. Note: The Scottish Pound is not considered a highly convertible currency in Jamaica. They need to be converted to British Pounds in the UK if you plan to bring pound banknotes to Jamaica if you move there or on holiday. [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget]

Wondering what are the parishes in Jamaica to ship barrels to? The island is divided into three counties – Cornwall, Middlesex, and Surrey – which are divided into 14 parishes.Located in the extreme southeast of the island, Kingston is Jamaica’s capital, Kingston is Jamaica’s largest city and capital, and an important commercial port. Each parish has a capital city, typically the center of commerce, and two parish capitals, Montego Bay in St. James and Kingston, have city status. Here is a list with all 14 parishes and their capitals, along with the price to ship a barrel door to door to each one of them.  [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Parish: Kingston, Capital: Kingston  Parish: St. Andrew, Capital: Half Way Tree Parish: Portland, Capital: Port Antonio  Parish: St. Thomas, Capital: Morant Bay  [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Parish: St. Catherine, Capital: Spanish Town Parish: Manchester, Capital: Mandeville Parish: St Mary, Capital: Port Maria Parish: St. Ann, Capital: St. Ann’s Bay Parish: Clarendon, Capital: May Pen [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Parish: Trelawny, Capital: Falmouth Parish: St. James, Capital: Montego Bay Parish: Hanover, Capital: Lucea Parish: Westmoreland, Capital: Savanna-La-Mar Parish: St. Elizabeth, Capital: Black River   [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] Kingston Parish in Jamaica The capital of Jamaica, Kingston, is the smallest but most populous city on the island. It is in front of the world’s seventh-largest natural harbor, protected by the Palisadoes, a long sandy spit that connects the city of Port Royal and Norman Manley International Airport to other islands. Colonel Barryn Hog ​​Crawle founded Kingston on July 22, 1692, as a refuge from the June 7 earthquake that destroyed two-thirds of Port Royal. Before the earthquake, Port Royal was home to English buccaneers and was known as the “worst” city in the world for the unbridled lives of the townspeople, including the private Sir Henry Morgan. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to Kingston Parish in Jamaica from £220  St.Andrew Parish in Jamaica St. Andrew was one of the first congregations in Jamaica to be established by law in 1867. Before its founding, it was known as “Liguanea,” which was the word for the iguana Taino. St.Andrew is north, west, and east of Kingston. As Kingston’s popularity grew, wealthy Kingston residents began buying an old “pen” from St.Andrew’s. Corral “Originally a farm where cattle were raised, and until recently there were still many areas in St.Andrew called corals.” “Plume” was soon considered a derogatory term for people’s residences, and many of these enclosures were renamed “gardens”. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to St. Andrew Parish in Jamaica from £220   Portland Parish in Jamaica Portland is a parish that’s located on the northeast coast of Jamaica. It is located north of St. Thomas and east of St. Mary. The parish is known for its natural scenery, beautiful beaches, lush trees, numerous caves and rivers, and the top of the Blue Mountains. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to Portland Parish in Jamaica from £230   St. Thomas Parish in Jamaica Descending from the peaceful heights of the Blue Mountains to the pristine coast of southeastern Jamaica, St. Thomas Parish is one of the most beautiful on the island. It is bordered on the west by St. Andrew, on the north by Portland, and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. St. Thomas is bordered on the west by St. Andrew, on the north by Portland, and on the south by the Caribbean Sea. The land of St. Thomas stretches from the peaks of the Blue Mountains and Mount John Crow to sea level. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to St. Thomas in Jamaica from £220   St. Catherine Parish in Jamaica The parish of St. Catherine is located on the south coast east of the parishes of San Andrew, to the west between Clarendon and the north between St. Ana and St. María. St. Catherine was founded in 1867 when four small congregations came together and elected Queen Katherine (Catherine) of Charles II. The parish has long been a center of population. There lived the pre-Columbian Tainos, followed by the Spaniards who built their capital, San Jago de la Vega (now a Spanish city). Today, Sainte-Catherine is the second most populous and fastest-growing congregation with a large industrial and agricultural industry. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to St. Catherine in Jamaica from £220   St. Manchester Parish in Jamaica Manchester is located in the south of Jamaica. To the east is Clarendon Parish, while St. Elizabeth to the west and Trelawny to the north.  On November 29, 1814, in the early 19th century, farmers at Clarendon Cafes, St. Elizabeth, and the hills of the then Blood Parish to form a separate parish. In the days before the abolition of slavery, the population of Manchester was never as large as the surrounding parishes, because the mountainous terrain was unsuitable for growing sugar, which was the most profitable crop on the island at that time. In 1942, Manchester was found to be one of the largest bauxite reserves in the country. Bauxite is a red mineral that is processed to produce alumina and finally aluminum. This discovery contributed to the growth and creation of the bauxite and aluminum industries in Manchester, which encouraged the rapid development of the church and, in particular, of Mandeville. Today, Manchester’s economy is deeply rooted in both bauxite and agriculture. Ship a Barrel Door to Door to Manchester in Jamaica from £230   St. Mary Parish in Jamaica St. Mary borders Portland to the east, St. Anne to the west, and parts of St. Catherine and St. Andrew to the south. St. Mary is known as one of the first parts of the island to be occupied by the Spaniards. In 1760, around Port Maria, the most significant rebellion in Jamaican history erupted and ultimately spread to most of the island. At the beginning of the 19th century, the parish had 63 sugar factories, but just three at the end of the century. As sugar fell, banana cultivation

How much tax do I have to pay? When shipping your barrels from the UK to Jamaica, there is a variety of different taxes needed to be paid before the shipment makes it to the final destination. Every order is different. Every barrel is unique and comes with its own set of circumstances and pricing associated with it.  Therefore, we cannot give you a clear answer of the final amount as there are so many different variables that determine the final cost. To save you confusion and headaches we’ve started delivering Door to Door from the UK to Jamaica, we’re clearing the items at the wharf and pre-paying all the fees and taxes on your behalf. Have a look here. 1. Import Duty/Customs Duty This is the tax payable on imported goods. The rates of duty are published in the Jamaica Customs Tariff, which can be purchased from Jamaica Printing Services at 77 ½ Duke Street, Kingston, Telephone (876) 967-2250; www.jps1992@cwjamaica.com. 2. Stamp Duty Postage Stamps amounting to the value of Jamaican Five Dollars ($5) must be affixed to receipts with a Cost Insurance and Freight (c.i.f.) value of Five Thousand Five Hundred Jamaican Dollars (J$5,500) and less. For receipts with values above this range, One Hundred Dollars ($100) worth of stamps must be affixed. 3. Additional Stamp Duty (ASD) Additional stamp duty is payable on certain items e.g., chicken and most chicken parts, pork and some pork products, beef and some beef products; some aluminum products, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. 4. General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) The General Consumption Tax Act provides for two main types of taxes These are the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT). Since October 22, 1991, the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) have replaced several duties and taxes, e.g., Excise Duty, CARICOM Duty, Consumption Duty, Entertainment Duty, Retail Sales Tax, Hotel Accommodation Tax and Telephone Service Tax. GCT is paid on goods and services except for those items that are zero-rated and those that are exempted from GCT. Zero-rated items are items that attract 0% GCT. Exempted items are items that do not attract GCT. SCT is payable on a few items. These are alcoholic beverages, most tobacco products, and some petroleum products. Most items attract only GCT, while some attract both GCT and SCT. 5. Standard Compliance Fee (SCF) This is a fee of 0.3% collected on behalf of the Bureau of Standards. SCF is calculated on the CIF value. 6. Customs Administrative Fee (CAF) The Customs Administrative Fee is payable on the processing of documents, the examination of goods, and on specific imported commodities. 7. Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Cost: This is the total cost of the goods abroad including ex-factory price, commission, mark-up, and inland freight but excluding sales tax and interest. The cost of the goods is sometimes expressed as FOB (Free on Board) or FOA (Free on Air) Insurance: This is the insurance charge which is payable to transport the goods to Jamaica in order to ensure that some compensation will be available to you in the event of the loss or damage of the goods. If you have not paid any insurance charges when freighting your goods to Jamaica, an insurance charge is still applicable for valuation purposes. For goods arriving by sea, the insurance charge is 1.5% of the total Cost and Freight(c. & f.), that is, if the goods cost US$100 and the freight charge is US$50, then C&F would be US$100 + US$50 = US$150. 1.5% of US$150, i.e. 150 x 3/200 = US$2.25. Total c.i.f. therefore is $100 + $50 + $2.25 = US$152.25. For shipments arriving by air, the insurance applicable is 1% of the Total Cost and Freight. The insurance rate of 1.5% is applicable to marine cargo. Freight: This is the amount of money paid or payable to the shipping agent or the airlines for the goods to be shipped or transported to Jamaica, including inland freight, packaging and handling charges. 8. Environmental Levy 0.5% of the CIF value of all imports Note: If you’re shipping cargo and it’s at Berth 5 or 6 Warehouses, you will need to pay the KWL charges at the Kingsport Building. _______________________________ In a brief;  The fees involved may include Landing Fees, which are paid to the clearing local Agent. Expect to pay about JA $3,700.00. Handling and Storage Fees, paid to Kingston Wharf, maybe about JA $4,630.00. Import Fees, such as customs duties, paid to Kingston Wharf might run around JA $6,500.00 . Barrels containing “Personal Effects” or “Non-commercial” items attract a flat rate charge of JMD $6,500.00 (rate is subject to change). This roughly currently equates to about 38 Pound sterling. Too much hassle? Try our “Door to Door” shipping service from the UK to Jamaica, and get your barrels delivered to your recipient’s door without paying extra for taxes. We cover ALL taxes for you.  Contact us for more useful information related to taxes and customs to clear in Jamaica using one of our social links below.