So what are restricted items?
Restricted items are those goods which require a permit or License in order to be imported into Jamaica. Failure to comply with this stipulation will result in the passenger or importer being breached, for contravening the Customs Act. It is therefore important that the requisite permits or Licenses must be sought before the items are imported into Jamaica.
Frequently asked Questions
1. I would like to take with me my turkey and ham for my
Christmas vacation, is this allowed?
Ans: The importation of meats whether processed or not is
restricted and will require a permit from our Ministry of
Agriculture before importation (permit contact information
overleaf).
2. Can red peas (red kidney beans) be imported without a
permit?
Ans: The importation of red peas (red kidney beans)
requires a permit from our Ministry of Agriculture.
(see overleaf).
3. I would like to take in my suitcase, toy guns and fire
crackers for my young family members, is this allowed?
Ans: The importation of these items are restricted as they are
deemed as threat and can be used for illicit purposes if
received in the wrong hands. The requisite permits will
be needed for importation of these items - see overleaf.
4. Why can’t camouflage clothing be imported?
Ans: This gear is intended for military purposes and should
be worn ONLY by military officials. It will be
deemed as an impersonation or a threat if civilians are
caught wearing this type of clothing.
5. Will I need a permit to take home the remains of my
deceased family member?
Ans: Yes, a KSAH permit is required for the importation of
all human remains (corpse or ashes). The contact
details are overleaf .
6. Why are fruits and vegetables restricted items?
Ans: To prevent the importation of pests and plant diseases
which may be present in these produce which can pose
a threat to our food security. The requisite permit is
needed before bringing these items (see overleaf).
List of Restricted Items:
Some passengers and importers are unaware of the various permits that are required for importing certain items. The following list stipulates the items that are restricted. This list is subject to change, as items are added and removed as the Government of Jamaica dictates.
terms and meaning :
MOA – Ministry of Agriculture
MOH – Ministry of Health
MNS – Ministry of National Security
PRAD – Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Division
KSHA – Kingston & St. Andrew Health Department
Restricted Items |
Requirement |
Issuing Agency |
Telephone |
Meat/Animals |
Permit/Certificate |
MOA |
977-0637 |
Red Peas |
Permit/ Phyto Sanitary Certificate |
MOA |
977-0637 |
Fruits, Vegetables, Plants & Plant Products, Honey, Seeds, Cut Flowers, Onions |
Phyto Sanitary Certificate / Permit |
MOA |
977-0637 |
Ground Provision |
Phyto Sanitary Certificate /Permit |
MOA |
633-7433 |
Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Herbal Teas |
PSD Certificate |
PRAD/MOH |
633-7120 |
Firearms, and Accessories Explosives, Fireworks, Sword |
Permit/License to Import |
MNS/Trade Board |
906-4908 967-0507 |
Sugar |
Licence |
Trade Board |
967-0507 |
Coconut Derivatives – Oil Producing Seeds, Edible Oils, Soaps |
Permit |
Coconut Industry Board |
926-1770 |
Motor Vehicles |
Licence |
Trade Board |
967-0507 |
Alcohol in Bulk |
Spirit Pool Permit |
Spirit Pool Association Ltd. |
968-4455 |
Human Remains |
KSAH Permit |
Kingston & St. Andrew Health Dept. |
926-1550-2 |
Pesticides |
Permit |
Pesticides Control Authority |
633-7770/2 |
Milk Powder Milk Based Products |
Licence/Permit |
MOA |
977-0637 |
Radios (Two-Way) |
Licence/Approval |
Spectrum Management Authority |
967-7948 |