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STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE
Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ)
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) serves as Jamaica’s premier standards-driven organization, dedicated to enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses both locally and internationally. Its core mission is to empower Jamaican producers to thrive in global markets by providing vital standardization, metrology, and associated services.
Through its vision, the BSJ emphasizes its dual role in fostering the success of Jamaican businesses while safeguarding consumer interests. By implementing and promoting standards, the BSJ ensures product quality, regulatory compliance, and efficiency, positioning Jamaican products and services as competitive and trustworthy in domestic and international markets.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of the U.S.A food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
CUSTOMS AND DUTIES
Jamaica Customs Agency
Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has three primary mandates: ensuring equitable revenue collection, protecting Jamaica’s borders against illicit imports, and facilitating trade.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The US CBP is responsible for border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity.
TRADE AGREEMENTS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Jamaica trades with the USA under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) which comprises the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) 1983/1990 and the 2000 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA). The CBERA and CBTPA provide one way (non-reciprocal) duty free access to the US market for goods with a few exceptions such as foot wear, luggage, flat goods, work gloves, leather wearing apparel and watches and parts.
The CARICOM-USA Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) was signed on 28th May 2013, and is intended to strengthen economic relations between the USA and CARICOM countries by enhancing cooperation and promoting trade and investment. The US/CARICOM Trade and Investment Council (TIC) is established under this Agreement to facilitate discussions between CARICOM and the USA on matters related to Trade and Investment.
Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce
The Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce is described as Jamaica’s “Business Ministry.” It’s mandate is to lead the development of policies that will create growth and jobs, while achieving social inclusion and consumer protection. The Ministry, working its stakeholders is primarily responsible for business policy development, monitoring and evaluation, while giving direction and oversight to a cluster of implementing departments and agencies.
The Trade Board Jamaica
The Trade Board Limited (Jamaica Trade Board) is Jamaica’s certifying authority for goods exported under the various trade agreements.
JAMAICAN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND SERVICES
- United States Embassy, Kingston
- Jamaica Tourist Board
- Tax Administration Jamaica
- Companies Office of Jamaica
- Jamaica Customs Agency
- Office of the Information Commissioner
- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
- Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports
- Bank of Jamaica
- The Port Authority of Jamaica
- Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
- Office of Public Procurement Policy