Customs cracks down on ‘barrel bike’

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is warning importers to desist from importing goods without the relevant permits, because who then conceal such goods and making false declarations they will be caught and will face the full penalty for breaching the Customs Act.

The warning comes on the heels of yet another find in which an importer attempted to conceal a motorcycle without the requisite permit and make a false declaration to the Customs Agency.

On September 30, 2016 the Fast Anti-Smuggling Team (FAST) of the Border Protection Unit, in doing routine checks at the Port Handlers Warehouse at Freeport in Montego Bay, St. James, searched four barrels which an importer attempted to clear.

The search revealed that it contained food, clothing and a disassembled motorcycle. The disassembled bike parts were removed from the barrels and it was observed that all the parts combined would comprise a whole bike.

In this regard, Jamaica Customs reminds all importers of the following:

• Check if goods being imported require a permit or import licence.

• Obtain a valid permit (where applicable) when shipping goods, prior to the goods arriving in Jamaica.

• Ensure goods are properly classified and that the quantities correspond with documentation submitted.

Also ensure that:

• No excess goods are being shipped and invoices are authentic.

• Supporting documents such as a tax compliance certificate and certificate of registration for an approved charity, etc., are valid.

• Documentation for shipments to a charitable organisation bears the consignee's name and address.