Compliance
Permits, restricted items & agency contacts
Various goods may need permits, licences, or certificates from the right government agency or approved body before import into Jamaica. Below is a quick reference for common categories, who typically issues approval, and how to reach them.
Important: StarLife Shipping is not a government authority and cannot issue permits. This page and the lists below are for general guidance only; they are not exhaustive and rules change. Always confirm requirements with the issuing agency and Jamaica Customs before you ship.
Ministry of National Security (examples)
These item types are often associated with MNS-related controls (in addition to permits that the Trade Board or other offices may handle). Verify with MNS and Customs for your specific case.
- Camouflage Clothing and Material
- Bullet Proof Vest
- Gun Holsters
- Spears
- Handcuffs
- Radar Detectors
- Sword
- Toy Guns
- Metal Detector
- Riot Gears
- Crossbows
- Gun Cleaning Kits
- Bow & Arrows
- Credit Card Scanner
- Gun Powder and Cartridge
- Laser Lights
- Dynamite & Nitro-glycerine
- Firecrackers & Flares
- Pepper Spray
Restricted items, requirements & issuing agencies
Use the table to see typical requirements and who to contact. Abbreviations: MOA Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining; MOH Ministry of Health & Wellness; MNS Ministry of National Security; PRAD Pharmaceutical & Regulatory Affairs Department.
| Restricted items | Requirement | Issuing agency | Telephone | Website / email |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat/Animals | Permit/Certificate | MOA | 876-977-2489, 876-977-2492, 876-977-6992 (fax) | |
| Red Peas | Permit/Phyto Sanitary Certificate | MOA | 876-977-0637, 876-977-6401, 876-977-6992 (fax) | |
| Fruits, Vegetables, Plants & Plant Products | Phyto Sanitary Certificate / Permit | MOA | 876-977-0637, 876-977-6401, 876-977-6992 (fax) | |
| Ground Provision | Phyto Sanitary Certificate / Permit | MOA | 876-977-0637, 876-977-6401, 876-977-6992 (fax) | |
| Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Herbal Teas | PSD Certificate | PRAD/MOH | 876-633-7433, 876-633-7145/6 | |
| Firearms and Accessories, Explosives, Fireworks, Sword | Permit/License to Import | MNS/Trade Board | 876-619-6063, 876-967-0507 | — |
| Sugar | License | Trade Board | 876-967-0507 | — |
| Coconut Derivatives, Oil-producing Seeds, Edible Oils, Soaps | Permit | Coconut Industry Board | 876-926-1770-2 | — |
| Motor Vehicles | License | Trade Board | 876-967-0507 | — |
| Alcohol in Bulk | Spirit Pool Permit | Spirit Pool Association Ltd | 876-968-4455, 876-926-5944 | |
| Human Remains | KSAH | Kingston & St. Andrew Health Dept., MOH | 876-926-1550-1, 876-922-2587 | — |
| Pesticides | Permit | Pesticide Control Authority | 876-906-6939 | — |
| Milk Powder & Milk-based Products | License/Permit | MOA | 876-977-2489, 876-977-2492 | |
| Radios (Two-Way) | License/Approval | Spectrum Management Authority | 876-967-7948, Fax: 876-922-4093, 876-922-8884 | — |
Questions about shipping with StarLife? Use our contact page. For whether an item is allowed and which permit applies, rely on the issuing agency and Jamaica Customs.