Container shipping to Jamaica

A 20-ft container typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 and a 40-ft between $2,500 and $3,000. The final price depends on the origin port, the type of cargo and whether you ship a full or a shared container; when you request a quote we confirm it within one business day with the full breakdown. Duties and taxes are paid in Jamaica on top of freight: CARICOM Common External Tariff duty by HS code on the CIF value, plus 15% General Consumption Tax.

From Houston: 7-10 days. From Europe: 10-30 days. From Asia: 25-40 days. These are estimated ocean transit times; when you request a quote we confirm the next weekly sailing and the estimated arrival date. From Florida, full containers take 3 to 7 days port to port, and air freight to Kingston or Montego Bay takes 1 to 3 days.

You need the supplier's commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and an eSAD declaration (IM4 or IMS4) that a licensed broker prepares in ASYCUDA World, plus the C73 broker authorization form. The importer needs a TRN, Tax Compliance Certificate and GCT certificate. Licensed goods need a Trade Board licence; add a certificate of origin for CARICOM preference. We prepare them for you and handle customs clearance at destination, so no missing paper holds your cargo.

Use LCL for 2 to 15 CBM, a 20ft FCL above 15 CBM or for heavy cargo, and a 40ft above 30 CBM; air suits cargo under 2 CBM. Consolidating several suppliers in Miami gives one Jamaican entry, which cuts per-entry fees and broker charges in Kingston. Any entry at US$5,000 CIF or more needs a licensed broker and a full IM4. Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we recommend the format with the best total cost.

Yes. Used goods are declared at transaction value, and Jamaica Customs challenges undervalued used items, so keep purchase evidence. Above US$5,000 CIF a licensed broker is mandatory, with a C73 form and a JA$5,000 processing fee. Expect CARICOM CET duty plus 15% GCT. Used vehicles need a Trade Board licence and meet age limits. Ask your broker whether personal-effects relief applies. We move personal items, household goods and full relocations, with customs and documentation handled door to door.

We serve Kingston, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, with customs clearance handled at each one and inland delivery coordinated to the final destination if you need it. Kingston (JMKIN) receives most import cargo through Kingston Freeport Terminal and Kingston Wharves, and Montego Bay (JMMBJ) serves the north coast. Commercial cargo of US$5,000 CIF or more must be cleared by a licensed customs broker on ASYCUDA World.

Jamaica charges CARICOM Common External Tariff duty by HS code on the CIF value, then 15% General Consumption Tax (GCT) on the duty-inclusive value. The entry also carries a 0.3% Standards Compliance Fee, a 0.5% Environmental Levy and J$100 stamp duty on shipments over J$5,500 CIF, plus Additional Stamp Duty on items such as meats, alcohol and cigarettes. Qualifying CARICOM-origin goods enter duty-free with a certificate of origin.

Licensed goods cannot ship until the permit is in hand. The Trade Board licenses meats, fish, edible oils, soaps, milk powder, refined sugar, certain chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, arms and ammunition, and certain toys. Food, plants and animal products need Veterinary Services or Plant Quarantine permits, and motor vehicles face age limits under the Motor Vehicle Import Policy. Illegal drugs and counterfeit goods are prohibited, and carriers refuse undeclared dangerous goods.

Yes for commercial entries with a CIF value of US$5,000 or more, which must be cleared by a licensed customs broker. The importer authorizes the broker on a C73 form, with a JA$5,000 processing fee, and the broker files the eSAD (IM4) in ASYCUDA World with the Jamaica Customs Agency. The importer also needs a TRN, a Tax Compliance Certificate and a GCT certificate.

LCL from Miami is the cheapest way to ship 2 to 15 CBM to Jamaica, a full container wins above 15 CBM, and air suits small or urgent cargo. With several US suppliers, consolidating in Miami into one shipment and one customs entry also cuts per-entry fees and broker charges in Kingston, which often saves more than the freight difference between modes.

Furniture under 15 CBM moves best as LCL from Miami, at about $1,000 for 5 CBM, and larger loads such as hotel FF&E go in a 20ft ($1,500 to $2,500) or 40ft ($2,500 to $3,000) container. Furniture pays CET duty plus 15% GCT on arrival. Used furniture is declared at transaction value and customs challenges undervalued entries, so keep the purchase evidence.