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Restricted Items

Last updated on Oct 12, 2025

Shipping to Jamaica? 🇯🇲 Know Your Restricted Items!

Before you ship, it's important to know that Jamaica Customs Agency restricts certain items from being imported without the proper permits or licenses. This is done for reasons of national security, public health, and to protect local agriculture.

Being aware of these rules helps you avoid delays, fines, or seizure of your goods, as ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We've put together this guide based on information from the Jamaica Customs Agency to help your shipping process go smoothly.

Items Requiring a Permit from the Ministry of National Security (MNS)

For reasons of national security, a permit from the Ministry of National Security (MNS) is required to import the following items. Using these items without authorization can be seen as a threat or impersonation of officials.

  • Camouflage clothing and material

  • Bullet Proof Vests

  • Riot Gear

  • Armoured Trucks

  • Metal Detectors

  • Handcuffs

  • Radar Detectors

  • Credit Card Scanners

  • Laser Lights

  • Firearms and accessories like gun holsters and gun cleaning kits

  • Explosives like dynamite, nitro-glycerine, gunpowder, and cartridges

  • Fireworks and flares

  • Weapons including swords, bows & arrows, crossbows, and spears

  • Pepper Spray

  • Toy Guns, which are restricted as they can be used for illicit purposes

  • Motorcycles over 700cc

Items Requiring a Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)

To protect Jamaica's food security from pests and diseases, a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is needed for many agricultural products.

  • Animals

  • Meat and meat products, whether processed or not

  • Fruits and Vegetables

  • Plants and plant products

  • Red Peas (Red Kidney Beans)

  • Ground Provisions

  • Milk Powder and milk-based products

Items Requiring Approval from Health Authorities

For public health and safety, certain items require permits from the Ministry of Health (MOH) or one of its divisions.

  • Human Remains (corpse or ashes) require a permit from the Kingston & St. Andrew Health Department (KSAH).

  • Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Herbal Teas require a certificate from the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affair Division (PRAD).

Other Restricted Items & Issuing Agencies

Here's a list of other common items that require a license or permit from specific government agencies before you can import them.

  • Motor Vehicles: License required from the Trade Board.

  • Sugar: License required from the Trade Board.

  • Alcohol in Bulk: Permit required from the Spirit Pool Association Ltd.

  • Coconut Derivatives, Edible Oils, & Soaps: Permit required from the Coconut Industry Board.

  • Two-Way Radios: License required from the Spectrum Management Authority.

  • Pesticides: Permit required from the Pesticides Control Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🤔

Q: Can I ship ham or turkey for Christmas dinner? A: Unfortunately, no. The importation of all meats, processed or not, is restricted and requires a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture before shipping.

Q: Why can't I ship camouflage clothing? A: Camouflage gear is intended for military use only. A civilian wearing it can be viewed as impersonating a military official, which is a security concern.

Q: Are toy guns and firecrackers okay to ship for my kids? A: These items are restricted because they are considered a threat and can be used for illegal purposes if they get into the wrong hands. You will need the required permits to import them.

Q: Why are fruits and vegetables restricted? A: This is to prevent foreign pests and plant diseases from entering Jamaica, which could pose a major threat to the island's food supply and agriculture.

Important Disclaimer

This information is based on a Jamaica Customs Agency publication from October 2015. The list of restricted items and the rules are subject to change at the discretion of the Government of Jamaica.

For the most current information, we strongly advise you to contact the relevant agencies or the Jamaica Customs Agency directly before you ship.

  • Jamaica Customs Agency Phone: 1-888-CUSTOMS (287-8667) or 922-5140-8

  • Jamaica Customs Agency Website: www.jacustoms.gov.jm