Customs addresses concerns about port delays

 

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has responded to the concerns regarding what some customs brokers have described as a slower turn-around time at the ports due to increased processing.

 

Marlon Lowe, Deputy CEO in charge of Border Protection at Jamaica Customs, insists that 80 per cent of goods are cleared at the ports shortly after arrival. But he reasoned that delays often due to port side issues. 

 

"We really have a logistics problem at our ports. The warehouses are small, they rely heavily on labour and so, if one vessel comes that shouldn't come, you have a problem. And what happened in the last few weeks and days is that you have had two mega vessels that came at one of the ports, and the port doesn't have the capacity to deal with that," he explained.

 

Another issue Mr. Lowe identified that could cause delays is the non-compliance by some customs brokers. 

 

"When you follow the rules and comply with Customs, Customs have less interest in you. When the rules are not being followed, declarations are not being done properly, goods are not being packed properly, they are not being labelled, we are not getting the advanced manifests in time, you are going to have issues with Customs," he said, noting that about half of the imports that come into the country are "released within minutes". 

 

Acting Deputy CEO of Operations at Jamaica Customs Selina Clarke Graham said, despite the increased vigilance, the agency has not changed how it processes containers. 

 

The agency said the risk management tools have helped to clamp down on a number of illicit operators and shipments.

 

But as the high season gets in full gear, the agency said it is prepared to do what it takes to boost efficiency, and at the same time maintain protocols. 

 

Some customs brokers have complained that the apparent delay in clearing goods at the ports could affect packages coming in for Christmas.

 

Speaking in Parliament this week, Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke said the government is looking at measures to address the issue.