Import duty, GCT on hurricane relief items suspended

MIAMI, United States — Volunteers assemble relief packages for Jamaica at the Global Empowerment Mission headquarters in Miami, Florida, on October 27, 2024 ahead of Hurricane Melissa's assault on Jamaica.Photo: AFP

Import Duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT), have been suspended for one month on specific goods and items imported in support of Jamaica’s national recovery efforts, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, according to Jamaica Customs. During the approved relief period, all importers, whether individuals or organisations, will not be required to pay import duty or GCT on the designated items.

The eligible goods include tissues, wipes, cleaning products, diapers, clothing, mattresses and more. The agency says the measure is intended to facilitate the importation and distribution of critical relief supplies, including food, clothing and toiletries, to assist affected individuals, families and communities.

The suspension became effective on October 29 and will expire on November 28. Items imported before October 29th will not qualify for the suspension, Customs says, and all applicable fees and charges, including Environmental Levy, Standard Compliance Fee and Customs Administrative Fee (CAF) remain. The full list of eligible items is below:

Tissues

Wipes

Cleaning products

Diapers

Clothing

Mattresses

Bed Linens/Bed Pads/Baths Linens

Toiletries

Over-the-Counter Drugs

First Aid Kits/Hygiene Kits

Kitchen Utensils

(Including, non-plastic disposables, pots and pans)

Garbage bags

Ply Boards

Nails

Zinc

Tarpaulins

Generators Not Exceeding 5000Watts (Household Use Only)

Tents

Igloos

Bed Cots

Sleeping Bags

Flashlights

Basic School Supplies

Bottled Water

Disposal Batteries

Mobile Battery Packs

Lantern/Lamps

Solar Flood Lights

Gloves

Rain Gear/Coats

Water Boots

Buckets/Pans (Water Storage Containers)

Mops/Brooms

Fuel Containers

Non-perishable Food Items

Basic Hand Tools (Drills, Shovels, Axes, Hammers, and Machetes)

Repellent

(Pre-approval/Permit may be required)

Water Purification Kit (Pre-approval/Permit may be required)

Sanitisers/Wipes

Disposable Masks

Temporary Sanitation System

Battery Operated Radios

Portable Stoves/Butane Burners

 

Source: Jamaica Observer