How to Avoid Customs Fees When Shopping Online in Jamaica (2024)

FAQs

How can I avoid custom charges in Jamaica? ›

Packages with a Free on Board (FOB) value of US$50 or less will not attract Customs charges. However, if the value is greater Customs charges will be calculated on the full value. It is therefore important that the invoice be included in the package, or presented to Customs to assist with the assessment of the items.

As a rule, a purchase price that includes shipping and handling does not include duty or any costs associated with clearing the goods through CBP.

Tell the seller explicitly that the item is for personal use. Import duties typically apply to items imported for commercial use (business or resale)—not personal or retail sales. If you're importing something for your own personal use or as a gift for someone else, you don't have to pay them.

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.

All passengers arriving in Jamaica are required to present their passport, along with the completed Customs Declaration Form (C5) to a Customs Officer for processing. They should respond truthfully to all questions and accurately declare what is in their possession.

There is no way to avoid customs duties, customs officers will check all items entering the country and charges will be applied where necessary. If you simply put 'gift' on the customs invoice, this does not mean it will not attract duty as they will still check the value of what is in the box.

Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP. Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country.

You'll need to pay customs duty (or import tax) on any goods you move across the US border from other countries, though goods from some countries are exempt due to different international trade agreements. The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces customs rules.

Apply for Global Entry

Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you'll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you'll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

What program do I use to skip customs? ›

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.

Contact your carrier

Ensure that your shipment is actually stuck in customs. Often, express shippers like DHL or FedEx will be able to have customs clear your shipment. Generally, the best way to contact carriers is by phone, but beware, often carriers use premium-rate numbers which can quickly become expensive.

General consumption tax (GCT)

The standard rate of GCT is currently 15%; however, higher or lower rates of GCT are applicable to certain goods and services.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Jamaica? The average shipping price to send a package to Jamaica ranges from $200 to $400. The shipping cost primarily depends on factors like the item's weight and the courier service you choose. Use the shipping calculator to get the best delivery quotes.

Customs does not normally open every parcel; these checks are rather random; however, their frequency increases when the declared gift value is over $100 USD.

Once you collect your bags, make your way to the customs hall. Utilize the “nothing to declare” line unless you are carrying some gifts or other items that will remain in Jamaica. You will need to present your passport and customs forms.

The online version of the Immigration/Customs Declaration (C5) Form will allow air passengers to input their information in advance of travelling and to submit same online, through a secured portal. Click here or the image above to go to the Electronic C5 Form.

Indecent and obscene prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks or designs ...

Duty free is a concept of shopping, offering shoppers goods on which import duties is not charged.

All passengers 18 years and over, may bring with them free of duty, personal and household effects, including gifts, which together are of a value not exceeding US$500 or the equivalent in Jamaican currency. Why am I charged duty on used clothing sent from abroad?

Does USPS charge customs fees? ›

Mailers sending packages from the United States pay for postage that covers the cost of transporting and delivering packages. The recipient is responsible for paying any customs duties, taxes or fees assessed by the destination country.

Get Paperwork in Order

The most important key to preventing customs exams is ensuring that you have all the required documentation for your shipment and that your documentation is correct and complete.

Customs is the authority in the respective country you enter that is responsible for controlling the flow of goods, including animals, transports, foods, personal effects, and hazardous items, into and out of a country.

Duty-free exemptions

In most cases, travelers are permitted to bring up to $800 worth of merchandise back to the United States without having to pay duty. (Numerous exceptions apply.) Keep in mind that only one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars may be included in this exemption.

Merchandise is declared to CBP. If you do not declare something that should have been declared, you risk forfeiting the item. If in doubt, declare it.

Some countries allow arriving international travelers to use duty-free shops before leaving the airport, but the U.S. does not. Returning U.S. travelers can buy duty-free only at foreign departure airports. Liquor is probably the most popular duty-free buy for U.S. travelers.

Does customs check every package? The short answer is yes. Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail. During this process, a customs officer in the country you're shipping to will review the package to make sure it meets the country's laws, regulations and policies.

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that seized the property should have forwarded the case to the appropriate supervisor for approval within 24 hours. The case is then referred to the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) office within three working days.

If a shipment is DDU, the buyer pays any applicable customs duties, fees or taxes when the shipment arrives at the border - before the shipment can be delivered. However, if the shipment is designated Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), the seller pays.

Yes, but keep in mind there are two possible scenarios if you refuse to pay the customs fees: You can refuse to pay customs for your shipping, and the package will be destroyed. Parcel is returned to the sender.

Do US citizens have to go through customs? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you must comply with the document requirements for that country. For a list of Foreign Consular Offices in the U.S. visit the U.S. Department of State website. Each individual arriving into the United States must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B.

Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations. The more international travelers know about what to expect, the easier and quicker the process becomes.

Mobile Passport Control streamlines your U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing experience. Simply fill out your profile and answer CBP's questions – then go straight to the “Mobile Passport Control” lane at the airport. CBP Mobile Passport Control can be used in 5 simple steps: 1.)

TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

Mobile Passport app

If you are an eligible traveler, you can simply download the app and submit your passport and trip information via your smartphone once you land. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code that is scanned by the CBP officer who will verify the information and finalize your inspection.

Normally, in three business days its status would change to “Released by Customs”, meaning that the package is on its want to you. But sometimes this doesn't happen. There are two main reasons why international packages get held up in customs for more than three days.

Shipments are held in customs to ensure they satisfy export or import customs regulations. A held shipment may have missing or incomplete paperwork, be waiting for clearance instructions or the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.

With respect to recent comments in the media, including social media, the Agency is reminding all importers that the duty structure on mobile telephones, whether purchased or gifted, is as follows: Import Duty - 20% General Consumption Act - 25% Environmental Levy - 0.5%

Duty-free shopping in Jamaica offers these rare and luxury items sometimes as much as 60% below retail prices in the USA and Europe. Couple all that with the warmth and expertise of your favorite Jamaican retailer, it's no wonder that many duty-free shoppers come back for more and more.

It's calculated at 0.3464% of the entered value (the cost of the merchandise, as entered on the commercial invoice you provide to your customs broker), with a minimum of $27.23 and a maximum of $528.33. For example, if the entered value of the shipment is $100,000, the MPF is $346.40.

What is the cheapest way to ship a package to Jamaica? ›

USPS's Priority Mail International is the cheapest way to ship to Jamaica from the US. It aims to deliver within 6-10 business days.

Your Walmart purchases delivered to your door in Jamaica by ColisExpat.

Walmart US does not ship internationally, however, you can use a package forwarding company like Planet Express to ship products to your country.

Packages with a Free on Board (FOB) value of US$50 or less will not attract Customs charges. However, if the value is greater Customs charges will be calculated on the full value. It is therefore important that the invoice be included in the package, or presented to Customs to assist with the assessment of the items.

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.

All passengers arriving in Jamaica are required to present their passport, along with the completed Customs Declaration Form (C5) to a Customs Officer for processing. They should respond truthfully to all questions and accurately declare what is in their possession.

When you do not pay the proper customs duty taxes for imported merchandise, your imports will be confiscated and your imports and profits are stuck in limbo. Don't let this happen to you.

Sometimes, the Customs Declaration is not required, and shippers can opt out of including one. It is the shipper's responsibility to include customs documentation when it is needed.

All passengers 18 years and over, may bring with them free of duty, personal and household effects, including gifts, which together are of a value not exceeding US$500 or the equivalent in Jamaican currency. Why am I charged duty on used clothing sent from abroad?

Most of us who shop online and import items through courier agencies know that Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) will not charge customs duties on personal items valued under US$50.

Do I have to pay customs for a package? ›

Mailing and Shipping Goods - Customs Duty Guidance

Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP. Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country. Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).

Else the customer may directly go to ICEGATE website by accessing the url http://epay.icegate.gov.in/epayment/locationAction. The customer would enter the “IEC Code” and select the location for which he/she intends to pay the duty using the drop down button. A list of all the unpaid challans will be displayed.

Either the seller or the buyer of a shipment must pay customs duties, fees or taxes. Generally, the party responsible for payment is prearranged in the shipper and receiver's terms of sale. (Check your terms of sale to learn whether you're responsible.) Terms will typically require the buyer to pay.

Some Customs offices have computer programs which allow you to rate your own entry. Others will require you to complete Form B15 with an agent's assistance. You will also be asked for proof of identification. Pay the duties and taxes owing and an agent will stamp your manifest as proof of release from their control.

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230g of tobacco. 1L of spirits and 1L of wine. 170ml of perfume and 340ml of eau de toilette. US$500 of other goods (Jamaican passport holders and residents only).

You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP.

Indecent and obscene prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks or designs ...

In most cases, the personal exemption is $800, but there are some exceptions to this rule, which are explained below. Depending on the countries you have visited, your personal exemption will be $200, $800, or $1,600.

Cash: You will not need to exchange your US dollars into Jamaican dollars because everyone takes US currency. It is recommended that you bring between $150 and $500 per person for spending depending on what you plan to do. Please have at least $200 in small bills ($1.00, $5.00 and $10.00) with the balance in twenties.

Duty-free exemptions

In most cases, travelers are permitted to bring up to $800 worth of merchandise back to the United States without having to pay duty. (Numerous exceptions apply.) Keep in mind that only one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars may be included in this exemption.