1. Know the US$100 Rule

For packages imported into Jamaica, goods with an FOB value of US$100 or less generally do not attract Customs duties and taxes.

FOB refers essentially to the value of the goods before international freight and insurance are added.

So, for example:

Item value: US$75 → generally falls below the de minimis threshold.
Item value: US$99 → generally falls below the threshold.
Item value: US$120 → exceeds the threshold and may attract Customs charges.

Once the value exceeds US$100, Customs charges are calculated using the applicable Customs value rather than simply charging duty on the amount above US$100.

2. Don't Forget About Freight and Insurance

One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming that Customs only looks at the price you paid for the item.

For shipments that exceed the de minimis threshold, Customs generally determines charges using the CIF value:

Cost + Insurance + Freight

For example, if an item costs US$200 and there are additional freight and insurance costs associated with importing it, those costs can form part of the value used when calculating Customs charges.

3. Always Keep Your Invoice

Your invoice or store receipt is one of the most important documents when importing a package.

It helps Customs verify:

What you purchased
How much you paid
The quantity purchased
The seller
The description of the item

If Customs cannot verify the declared value, they may request additional information or use another valuation method to determine the value of the goods.

Tip: Keep your order confirmation, invoice or receipt until your package has been completely cleared.

4. Don't Underdeclare the Value of Your Package

It may be tempting to declare a lower value to try to reduce Customs charges, but this can create bigger problems.

Jamaica Customs has the authority to verify declared values and request supporting documentation where there are questions about the value submitted.

Always declare the correct purchase value and keep the documentation to support it.

5. Check Before Shipping Restricted Items

Sometimes the unexpected cost isn't simply duty.

Certain products require permits, approvals or additional documentation before they can be imported into Jamaica.

If a restricted item arrives without the necessary permit, it can be delayed, detained or subject to enforcement action. Jamaica Customs also notes that its published list of restricted goods is not exhaustive and can change.

If you're unsure about an item, check before purchasing and shipping it.

6. Remember That Different Products Can Attract Different Charges

There isn't one Customs rate that applies to every product.

Depending on what you're importing, applicable charges can include:

Import Duty
General Consumption Tax (GCT)
Stamp Duty
Additional Stamp Duty on certain goods
Standard Compliance Fee
Environmental Levy
Other applicable Customs fees

The actual amount depends on the type and value of the goods being imported.

A Simple Example

Suppose you're ordering a car part online.

Example A

Car part: US$85

Because the FOB value is below US$100, it would generally fall within Jamaica's de minimis threshold and would not attract Customs duties and taxes.

Example B

Car part: US$150

Because the item exceeds US$100, Customs charges may apply. The assessment can take into account the item's cost along with applicable freight and insurance when determining its Customs value.

This is why understanding the threshold before purchasing can help you estimate the true cost of getting an item to Jamaica.

Before You Click "Buy"

Take a few seconds to:

Check the total value of your items.
Save your invoice or receipt.
Confirm whether your item requires a permit.
Consider the possible Customs cost if your purchase exceeds US$100.
Use the correct shipping address and package information.

A little preparation can prevent delays and help you know what to expect when your shipment arrives.

Ship With Confidence

At Postage Logistics Group, we want shipping to be simple and predictable.

Whether you're shopping online, importing car parts, sourcing products for your business or sending larger items by air or sea, understanding your shipment before it leaves the supplier can save you from unwanted surprises.

Shop. Ship. Collect.

Removing Your Logistics Limits.