THE CUSTOMS Department is to begin collecting standards compliance fees from importers on behalf of the Bureau of Standards, as of September 14.
A release from the Bureau last week said the new arrangements would make the process straight forward for importers since the relevant fees would be paid at one location. It was also an attempt to simplify the collection process and make it easier for importers to complete their transactions, the Bureau said.
The move will see the coming to fruition of one of many long-term plans put forward by Industry, Commerce and Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell last year. Customs will be using both computerised and manual procedures to collect the fees, along with regular customs duties.
"Standards compliance is critical for the Jamaican manufacturer who produces to meet national and international standards, as it means the reduction of unfair competition from substandard imports," the Bureau said.
The standards compliance fee is 0.3 per cent of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of the eligible commodities contained in each shipment and is an integral component of the standards compliance programme, the release said.
The programme was established by the Bureau to ensure that all locally-made and imported products sold in the island conform to acceptable standards.
