jamaica has a projected annual growth rate of 16.75% (aqr 2022-2025) and is expected to have 1.2 million e-commerce users by 2025. for a US business looking to amass new customers, this growing Caribbean country represents an exciting start.
its geographic proximity to the united states, stable democracy, favorable business climate, and people’s preference for american products make it an even more promising choice.
Whether you’re a business or an individual shipper, it’s good practice to update yourself on shipping regulations and guidelines before sending packages to Jamaica. this will help you avoid last minute surprises.
In this guide, you’ll find information on how to ship to Jamaica cost-effectively and securely from the United States, including delivery options, rules and regulations, and more.
cost & delivery speeds for shipments to jamaica from the united states
Ensuring that products reach international customers in a timely and secure manner is critical for any e-commerce business looking to sell across borders. this is true even for individual shippers looking to ship items to loved ones abroad.
When shipping internationally, therefore, choosing a carrier that is reliable and aligns with your shipping needs is critical.
usps, ups, fedex, and dhl are among the major international carriers shipping to jamaica from the united states.
Below is a list of available shipping options. the rates shown here were calculated using each carrier’s unique pricing calculator.
In order to ensure approximate costs, we have considered a fictitious sample of a package of 2 lbs. April 2022 rates have been used for calculation and final costs are subject to change.
Note: We calculated the following rates using each carrier’s pricing calculators for an example consisting of a 2.2lb package in April 2022. Exact prices are subject to change. these are general options for consumer shipping orders.
Exact shipbob rates for customers will vary, as we charge a “full cost of fulfillment” which includes picking, packing, and shipping, among other factors. To find out what Shipbob offers when shipping to other countries like Jamaica, request a quote here.
how to choose a carrier
Shipping goods internationally can be a challenge. therefore, it is good practice to weigh the pros and cons of the best transportation options to make an informed decision.
Below is a detailed list to help you evaluate and choose the right carrier for your shipping requirements when shipping to Jamaica from the United States.
carriers
advantages
cons
- has a large presence and network spread across the united states making it accessible to all
- offers affordable shipping services
- pickup options are available available at no additional cost
- inexpensive flat rate options available for heavy packages
- limited view of shipment tracking
- delivery may be delayed
- maximum weight allowed is 70 pounds. this is significantly lower compared to other operators
- has reliable shipping tracking mechanism
- time guaranteed, expedited delivery options available
- bulk shipping options may be cheaper
- customer service channels available
- shipments weighing up to 150 pounds are accepted. for larger loads, transportation options are available
- expensive compared to other carriers
- the collection service has a charge
- customs clearance assistance offered
- extensive presence in usa. uu. makes parcel delivery easy
- last mile tracking system
- offered and discounts available for small businesses
- shipments capped at 150 lbs. has transport options for heavier loads
- charged pickup service
- on the more expensive end of the spectrum
- heavy fuel surcharges apply
- the collection service is free
- strong international presence and network
- has adopted environmentally friendly practices
- offers shipping insurance international
- a smaller footprint in the us. uu. compared to other operators
shipping to jamaica from united states with usps
usps ships to 180 countries internationally, including jamaica. It has an extensive network throughout the United States, which facilitates the delivery of packages.
global express guaranteed (gxg) is the fastest and most expensive service available for shipping to jamaica. this service also has an additional cost.
priority mail international is an economical shipping option from usps. however, it takes longer to deliver.
when to use usps to ship from united states to jamaica
If your need is to receive packages cost-effectively but time is not of the essence, USPS might be right for you.
It even has flat-rate options that make sending packages up to 20 pounds relatively affordable.
shipping to jamaica from the united states with ups
ups ships to more than 220 countries and territories, including jamaica. is a world leader in logistics and is also among the largest customs brokers in the world.
when to use ups to ship from united states to jamaica
when shipping to jamaica, ups worldwide expedited is your most economical service. however, this is also high compared to other carriers like usps. however, it promises to deliver within 5 business days.
Choose options when you’re looking for a hassle-free experience but are willing to pay for it. your customs support and assistance, small business solutions, timely deliveries, international shipping helpline, etc. These are some of the reasons to trust your shipments with UPS.
shipping to jamaica from the united states with fedex
fedex ships internationally to more than 220 countries and is a leading logistics company.
fedex offers solutions such as the international shipping assistance tool that simplifies the shipping needs of small businesses.
when to use fedex to ship from united states to jamaica
if you want your shipments to be insured and you want guaranteed on-time, fast deliveries, fedex should be your trusted carrier.
the options that fedex offers to ship to jamaica from the united states are priced significantly higher than other carriers. but this comes with a reliable service that is traceable to the last mile.
shipping to jamaica from the united states with dhl
dhl is a German carrier that has a large international presence, a trusted reputation, and a network to deliver to 220 countries, including Jamaica.
when to use dhl to ship from united states to jamaica
While it may not compare well in terms of its network within the US to other carriers, its door-to-door service is a sure relief for customers and businesses alike.
dhl is also committed to green initiatives.
If you’re a business looking for a free pick-up service, on-time deliveries and a name you can trust, dhl could be your carrier of choice.
In addition, your green initiatives can be valuable to companies that support or engage in environmentally friendly practices.
homework & Taxes when shipping to Jamaica from the US
the jamaica customs agency is a major source of revenue for the government of jamaica. collects a whopping 40% of taxes. however, the government is gradually implementing a tax cut.
The duty free/free on board (fob) threshold value for imports into Jamaica is set at US$50 for most shipments from the United States. however, for goods above this value, customs is charged on the full value. Exceptions may apply for certain product categories.
as a member of the caribbean community and common market (caricom), jamaica can apply a common external tariff (cet) to all imports from all non-caricom countries. the cet is charged within a range of 10-20%.
In addition, a stamp duty is charged on the goods. For products whose cif (cost, insurance and freight) value is less than five thousand five hundred Jamaican dollars ($5,500), postage stamps worth five Jamaican dollars will be affixed to receipts. however, merchandise over this value must bear stamps worth one hundred dollars ($100).
In the interest of local producers, Jamaica also imposes heavy import tariffs, especially on agricultural products and consumer goods.
Some categories of products, such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco, beef, pork and chicken products, etc., have an additional stamp duty (asd) and are also subject to special consumption taxes (sct).
A general consumption tax (GCT) of 21.5% applies to most goods imported in commercial quantities. but some categories attract both gct and sct.
On behalf of Jamaica Bureau of Standards, Jamaica Customs collects a Standards Compliance Fee (SCF) of 0.3%. the office is designated to check labeling standards, etc.
A 0.5 percent environmental tax is also levied on imports into Jamaica. this is charged at a rate of 0.5% on the cif value of imports.
jamaica customs information
once your international shipment arrives in jamaica, the necessary documents must be submitted to the jamaica customs agency.
some of the documents required for imports are:
- an invoice from the supplier
- certificate of origin
- bill of lading
- air waybill
- a declaration of value
- an import license* (if necessary)
- a phytosanitary or sanitary certificate (selected products and categories)
*An import license or permit is required to export to Jamaica for a variety of products. for example: meats, coconut products, soaps, powdered milk, refined sugar, certain chemical products, motor vehicles and their parts, plants and plant parts for perfumery or pharmaceutical uses, weapons and ammunition, edible oils, etc.
A license must be obtained from the relevant authorities (Trade Board, Veterinary Services Division, Plant Quarantine Division) to import these products prior to importation and sale.
For the importation of personal goods through the post office, the central sorting post office oversees customs clearance on behalf of the recipient and arranges deliveries.
Packages below the threshold or fob value of US$50 do not attract customs. therefore, an invoice must be presented to customs for proper evaluation of the items.
In the event that a package is stopped and additional documents are sought, the customs department will issue a notice through the post office to the recipient.
If personal property is imported through a courier agency, the courier agent may settle any necessary duties on behalf of the importer.
Alternatively, customs clearance can also be done by the importer at the warehouse where the goods are stored.
on any route, before the goods are released, the corresponding customs duties must be paid. There may also be a requirement to present a tax compliance certificate and a taxpayer registration number (trn).
To learn more about the Jamaican customs department and its processes, you can visit the official website.
prohibited items when shipping to jamaica
All countries prohibit or restrict the importation of certain items. it is advisable to check this list before sending goods to avoid delays and setbacks.
The following is a list of items that are prohibited from importation into Jamaica:
items you cannot ship to jamaica from the united states
It is good practice to check the official customs website before shipping. this is because the list of restricted and prohibited items is subject to change.
what ecommerce businesses need to know about shipping to jamaica
jamaica has one of the highest mobile phone penetrations in the world. this Caribbean island nation also has a strong telecommunications infrastructure.
While internet access is increasing, the pandemic is expected to have caused a significant jump as most Jamaicans were working from home.
The eCommerce market here is growing, as is user penetration, which is expected to reach 38.9% by 2025.
If you’re looking to gain a foothold in the Caribbean region, Jamaica could be an exciting option.
here are some ideas for us ecommerce businesses looking to expand into the Jamaican market.
1. wear the american badge of honor
the united states is jamaica’s main trading partner, accounting for 40% of its total trade. This strong partnership is the result of longstanding trade relations between the two countries.
Jamaican customers and businesses trust us because of our continued quality and reliability. US companies are also considered respectable and honest.
if you have an e-commerce business looking to sell to jamaicans, use the tag “us products and businesses” to your advantage not only with customers but also with partners and merchants.
2. local aftermarket framework is important
If the promise of quality American products is delivered with a strong aftermarket network, it could ensure your e-commerce business is a competitive advantage in the Jamaican market.
For a better customer experience, you can contact agents or distributors to maintain a trained service staff and ensure an adequate inventory of spare parts.
3. build adequate security measures
Corruption and crime are serious issues of concern to companies looking to expand to Jamaica.
While the Jamaican judiciary has a tradition of being fair, the time to resolve a case can range from years to sometimes even decades.
To avoid the above, be prepared and build the cost of proper security measures into your cost of doing business.
4. get a 3pl expert like shipbob on board
A challenging market like Jamaica requires extensive learning and understanding. When expanding, it is therefore essential to focus on the core aspects of your business, such as product development, marketing, etc.
Adapting to the local market is another important area that needs to be carefully addressed.
To make sure you get the most out of your time, you can outsource some aspects of your business, like logistics and warehousing, that require in-depth knowledge of the industry.
Partnering with an international 3pl expert like shipbob can help you stay up to date on major trends.
not only that, shipbob with its reliable network of carriers and custom packaging, enhanced technical expertise, etc. it will also help you build an optimized supply chain.
partner with shipbob, an international 3pl
shipbob’s global omnichannel fulfillment solution helps you scale your business and serve more customers around the world.
Shipbob not only handles the picking, packing, and shipping of your orders to Jamaica, but also offers upfront fulfillment costs including additional customs, duties, and taxes.
Working with shipbob can turn logistics and warehousing into a revenue generator because it can increase sales and offer the shipping options, transit times and delivery speeds that customers want.
with shipbob, you can:
- Ship to other countries with ease, using standard and expedited shipping options.
- Take advantage of Shipbob’s global presence with US distribution centers. USA, UK, Europe, Australia, and Canada.
- Enhance cross-border transparency with DDP shipping capabilities to eliminate surprises at checkout.
“There are a couple of shadows on every continent, so international shipping is very important to us, not only in terms of cost, but also the customer experience. when i found out shipbob was expanding i knew we wanted to expand our physical footprint with them. this would offer us the possibility of reducing the taxes and duties that come with international shipping.
The process of shipping inventory to the shipbob fulfillment center location was greatly simplified. shipbob has been very helpful throughout the process and we look forward to accelerating our growth outside of north america.”
nikolai paloni, co-founder of ombraz sunglasses
Are you ready to start shipping to Jamaica from the United States? start with shipbob.
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frequently asked questions about shipping to jamaica
Keep reading to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about shipping from the United States to Jamaica.