News

Kingston, Jamaica – September 19, 2023

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is ushering in a new era of streamlined efficiency for exporters in Jamaica as it eliminates its exporter registration process, effective October 1, 2023. This very significant change simplifies the country’s export procedures, allowing exporters to directly and seamlessly export through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) and ASYCUDA platforms.

Historically, JAMPRO registered all exporters engaged in commercial trade under the Jamaica Promotions Corporation Act and the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) Act. The forthcoming removal of exporter registration requirements, effective by the end of this month, stems from extensive discussions initiated in early 2021. These discussions, collaboratively led by JAMPRO, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, the PAJ, and the JCA, have resulted in the decision to remove the registration requirements, and instead utilising the technology platforms already in place, therefore enhancing accessibility for exporters by removing one step and some of the costs related to the export process.

Prior to carrying out export shipments, all exporters are currently required to register with JAMPRO on ExportJA, an online exporter registration platform which is integrated into the JCA’s ASYCUDA system. Through this platform, all related transactional processes such as fee payments for both new registrations and annual renewals are approved. With the removal of these registration requirements, exporters will transition to a more direct system of processing their export shipments.

Where permits or licenses are required, exporters can initiate their requests to obtain a permit via the JSWIFT platform from any of the ten (10) Border Regulatory Agencies currently onboarded with their related e-services. Alternatively, exporters not requiring permits or licenses can submit their export declarations via the ASYCUDA System or through the services of a licensed Customs Broker, when ready to ship. This shift reduces bureaucracy, duplication and reduces the cost of services to exporters through the removal of the exporter registration fee while ensuring a swifter and more efficient export process.

The removal of this process comes with the endorsement of Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce and JAMPRO’s portfolio Minister, who since taking up the role has championed export growth as the pillar of the Ministry’s strategy. He stated, “The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, under my leadership, has made export growth a cornerstone of our economic growth agenda. By eliminating the exporter registration process, we are tearing down export barriers, streamlining procedures, and positioning our exporters for global competitiveness. It also shows the Government’s commitment to foster a business-friendly environment and enhance the ease of doing business in Jamaica.”

President of JAMPRO, Shullette Cox, emphasized that “with the removal of exporter registration, we’re not just simplifying a process, we’re driving a transformation in how exporters do business. By eliminating a step in the process, exporters can now seamlessly export once they are registered on JSWIFT and ASYCUDA. This long-called-for change is not only a game-changer for our exporters but is also a testament to the Government’s commitment to create a more agile, export-oriented Jamaica.  I am even more excited that the removal of the process frees up JAMPRO team members to facilitate exporters in a more direct and impactful way.”  She also added that JAMPRO recently received approval to establish an Exporter Facilitation Department that will offer more direct exporter services and through which JAMPRO will continue to maintain a register of exporters from ASYCUDA data received from the Jamaica Customs Agency.

Prof. Gordon Shirley President and CEO of PAJ, under whose regulations JAMPRO registers exporters also endorsed the removal of the registration process as it has been replaced with measures which not only make the export process more efficient and auditable but also ensures the integrity of cargo.

About JAMPRO

JAMPRO – an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce – is Jamaica’s export and investment promotion agency, responsible for facilitating the growth and development of the country’s export and investment sectors. It serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth by driving investment, increasing exports, and promoting business partnerships for the Jamaican business community.