   
  
G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
30 August 2019  
(19-5597) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION OF CATE GORY COMMITMENTS  UNDER  
THE AGREEMENT ON TRA DE FACILITATION  
COMMUNICATION FROM JAMAICA  
Addendum  
The following communica tion, dated  21 August 2019 , is being circulated at th e request of the 
delegation of  Jamaica for Members' informa tion. 
 
_______________  
 
 
Following up from the notification dated 16 August 2018 (G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.1), Jamaica hereby 
makes the following notifications:  
 
(1) Shifting of categories ; (2) shifting of categories with  exten sion of  definitive i mplementation 
dates ; (3) definitive implementation dates for categories B and C designations ; and (4) designation 
of additional  category A commitments . 
 
1. Jamaica hereby  notifies , pursuant to Article 19.1 of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation , that 
the following provisions have been shift ed between categories.  
 
2. Jamaica wishes to notify that, based on Articles 17 and 19 of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, 
the following provisions are requested to be shifted from category B to category C with extended 
defini tive implementation dates as, further to an internal a ssessment, it was recognized that as 
the provisions listed below cover areas that will require the development of new processes and 
procedures, external support will be required to build the requisite capacity in order to implement 
these provisions . (See t able below)  
 Provision  Heading/Description  Category 
previously 
notified as  Category 
shifted to  
   Article 1.1  Publication  C B 
   Article 1.3  Enquiry points  C B 
   Article 6.2  Specific disciplines on fees and charges for 
customs processing imposed on or in connection 
with importation and exportation  C B 
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  C B 
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  C B 
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from final determination of 
customs duties, taxes, fees and charges  C B 
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  C B 
   Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under 
customs control  C B  
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 2 - Provision  Heading/  
Description  Previous 
category 
designation  New 
category 
designation  Previously 
notified definitive 
date for 
implementation  New definitive 
date for 
implementation  
requested  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
Assistance (TACB) that will be required  
Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication 
of Average Release Times  B C 31 March 2020  31 March 2022  Technical Assistance and capacity Building (TACB) 
support is required to:  
i. Develop methodology to determine average 
release times in Border Agencies;  
ii. Train officials in the application of the 
methodology.  
Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for 
Authorized Operators  B C 30 April 2020  31 March 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) 
support is required to assist the Jamaica Customs 
Agency (JCA) in building out its AEO Programme 
to include negotiating and implementing mutual 
recognition agreements (MRAs) with relevant 
partners.  Some ar eas would include:  
i. The MRA process;  
ii. The MRA Negotiation Process;  
iii. MRA Implementation;  
iv. MRA Maintenance.  
Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods 
and Inward and Outward 
Processing  B C 31 March 2020  31 Ma rch 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) 
is required for the following:  
i. IT system gap analysis and possible 
modifications/add -ons; 
ii. Consultancy to help develop appropriate 
procedures for the development, 
implementation and maintenance of inward 
and outward processing;  
iii. Study tour an d/or expert assistance in 
operationalizing inward and outward 
processing.  
 G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 3 - 
 
   
3. Jamaica hereby makes the following notifications of the definitive dates for its additional category 
B commitments and its category C commitments pursuant to Article 16 of the Agreement on 
Trade Facilitation (WT/L/931).  
Provision  Heading/Description  Definitive Date for 
Implementation  
   Article 1.1  Publication  22 February 2022  
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  1 January 2022  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points  31 December 2020  
   Article 3  Advance Rulings  31 March 2022  
    Article 4  Procedures for Appeal or Review  31 March 2022  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  1 January 2022  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  31 March 2025  
   Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  1 January 2023  
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges for 
Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  1 January 2023  
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  31 March 2021  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  22 February 2020  
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  31 March 2023  
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  22 February 2020  
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  1 January 2024  
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  22 February 2020  
   Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  31 March 2023  
   Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import 
under Customs Control  22 February 2020  
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  22 February 2023  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  31 March 2023  
   Article 12  Customs Cooperation  22 February 2022  
 
4. Jamaica wishes to notify that Article s 11.1-11.3 (Freedom of Transit)  are now being designated 
under Category A.  
For ease of reference, Jamaica 's full list of category commitments can be found in the table attached 
herewith.  
 
  
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 4 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 1  Publication and Availability of Information  
   Article 1.1  Publication  B 22 February 2022  22 February 2022  - 
   Article 1.2  Information Available through Internet  C 22 February 2020  1 January 2022  Technical Assistance  and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Upgrade websites and information 
portals  
ii. Build capacity in data gathering and 
content management;  
iii. Train personnel (including technical 
training in ICT);  
iv. Acquire resources for infrastructure 
upgrade.  
   Article 1.3  Enquiry Points B 22 February 2020  31 December 2020  - 
   Article 1.4  Notification  B 22 February 2018  31 March 2020  - 
Article 2  Opportunity to Comment, Information before Entry into Force and Consultations  
   Article 2.1  Opportunity to Comment and Information 
Before Entry into Force  B 22 February 2020  31 March 2020  - 
   Article 2.2  Consultations  A - - - 
Article 3       Advance Rulings  
 C 22 February 2022  31 March 2022  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Train personnel and implement a "Train 
the trainer" program me; 
ii. Curriculum development;  
iii. ICT development ; 
iv. Develop public education campaigns for 
stakeholder engagement.  
Article 4       Procedures for Appeal or Review  
 C 22 February 2022  31 March 2022  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required for: 
i. Legislative review (legislation and 
regulations) and implementation.  
Article 5  Other Measures to Enhance Impartiality, Non -Discrimination and Transparency  
   Article 5.1  Notification for Enhanced Controls or 
Inspections  C 22 February 2020  1 January 2022  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Support the establishment of a national 
Food Safety Council (FSC) Secretariat;  
ii. Facilitate the development of 
notification protocols;  
iii. Develop a mechanism for the 
dissemination of notifications  
   Article 5.2  Detention  A - - -  
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 5 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 5.3  Test Procedures  C 22 February 2020  31 March  2025 Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Training and support for exchange 
programme ; 
ii. Equipping laboratories;  
iii. Renovation of physical structures;  
iv. Upgrading of legislation/regulations 
governing laboratories;  
v. Mentorship programmes.  
Article 6  Disciplines on Fees and Charges Imposed on or in Connection with Importation and Exportation and Penalties  
   Article 6.1  General Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
Imposed on or in Connection with 
Importation and Exportation  C 22 February 2022  1 January 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Develop competence in using 
methodologies to quantify costs in order 
to justify fees and charges;  
ii. Develop policy on fees and charges;  
iii. Streamline structures of payments;  
iv. Develop comprehensive training 
programme to periodically assess 
existing and new fees and charges.  
   Article 6.2  Specific Disciplines on Fees and Charges 
for Customs Processing Imposed on or in 
Connection with Importation and 
Exportation  B 22 February 2022  1 January 2023  - 
   Article 6.3  Penalty Disciplines  B 22 February 2019  31 March 2021  - 
Article 7       Release and Clearance of Goods  
   Article 7.1  Pre-arrival Processing  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  - 
   Article 7.2  Electronic Payment  C 22 February 2020  31 March 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Support the implementation of the 
Electronic Single Window for Trade as 
defined in Article 10.4 of the TFA, such 
as provide ICT infrastructure (hardware 
and software), including website 
development and agency linkages;  and 
train personnel.  
   Article 7.3  Separation of Release from Final 
Determination of Customs Duties, Taxes, 
Fees and Charges  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  -  
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 6 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
   Article 7.4  Risk Management  C 22 February 2020  1 January 2024  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Obtain a comprehensive automated risk 
management system;  
ii. Develop training and implement 
programme.   
   Article 7.5  Post-clearance Audit  B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  - 
   Article 7.6  Establishment and Publication of Average 
Release Times  C 31 March 2020  31 March 2022  
(new requested  date)  Technical Assistance and capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Develop methodology to determine 
average release times in Border 
Agencies;  
ii. Train officials in the application of the 
methodology.  
   Article 7.7  Trade Facilitation Measures for Authorized 
Operators  C 30 April 2020  31 March 2023  
(new requested  date)  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to assist the 
Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in building out 
its AEO Programme to include negotiating and 
implementing mutual recognition agreements 
(MRAs) with relevant partners.  Some ar eas 
would include:  
i. The MRA process;  
ii. The MRA Negotiation Process;  
iii. MRA Implementation;  
iv. MRA Maintenance.  
   Article 7.8  Expedited Shipments  B 22 February 2020  31 March 2020  - 
   Article 7.9  Perishable G oods A - - - 
Article 8  Border Agency Cooperation  
 C 22 February 2020  31 March 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Fund feasibility study for coordination of 
border agencies;  
ii. Create risk management framework 
aligned with WTO/WCO best practices 
through consultants and training;  
iii. Fund inter -agency training;  
iv. Provide technical and fi nancial  
assistance to develop entry tracking 
system.  
Article 9  Movement of Goods Intended for Import under Customs Control  
 B 22 February 2020  22 February 2020  -  
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 7 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
Article 10     Formalities Connected with Importation, Exportation and Transit  
   Article 10.1  Formalities and Documentation 
Requirements  B 22 February 2019  30 June 2020  - 
   Article 10.2  Acceptance of C opies B 22 February 2020  31 December 2024  - 
   Article 10.3  Use of International Standards  C 22 February 2020  22 February 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) supported is required to:  
i. Fund participati on in overseas training;  
ii. Organize training in change 
management tools for senior managers;  
iii. Assess the testing, certification, 
inspection and accreditation capabilities 
of food safety regulatory agencies and 
provide assistance for upgrading 
facilities and achieving compliance with 
relevant standards;  
iv. Develop and implement a training and 
certification program to assist exporters 
to meet relevant standards.  
v. Support to adopt international standards 
into domestic law.  
   Article 10.4  Single Window  C 28 February 2020  31 March 2023  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Procure consultant to coordinate the 
development of the policy and legal 
framework for the single window;  
ii. Procure consultant to coordinate the 
development of the policy and legal 
framework for streamlined 
procedures;  
iii. Fund consultant to review procedures;  
iv. Develop a monitoring framework; 
Develop curriculum for training 
programme on Harmonized System 
(HS) of Tariff Nomenclature and single 
window operation;  
v. Establish kiosks to support the 
functionin g of the single window;  
vi. Procure and install storage area 
network for single window ; 
vii. Infrastructure to support 
operationalization of the single 
window;   
  G/TFA/N/JAM/1/Add.2  
 
- 8 - Provision  Heading/Description  Category  Indicative date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Definitive date for 
implementation  
(for categories  
B and C)  Assistance and Support for Capacity 
Building Required for Implementation  
(for category C)  
viii. Support capacity building for user 
groups . 
   Article 10.5  Pre-shipment Inspection  A - - - 
   Article 10.6  Use of Customs Brokers  A - - - 
   Article 10.7  Common Border Procedures and Uniform 
Documentation Requirements  B 22 February 2019  31 March 2022  - 
   Article 10.8  Rejected G oods A - - - 
   Article 10.9  Temporary Admission of Goods and Inward 
and Outward Processing  C 31 March 2020  31 Ma rch 2023  
(new requested  date)  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) is required for the following:  
i. IT system gap analysis and possible 
modifications/add -ons; 
ii. Consultancy to help develop appropriate 
procedures for the development, 
implementation and maintenance of 
inward and outward processing;  
iii. Study tour and/or expert assistance in 
operationalizing inward and outward 
processing.  
Article 11  Freedom of Transit  
 A - - - 
Article 12  Customs Cooperation  
 C 22 February 202 0 22 February 2022  Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 
(TACB) support is required to:  
i. Implement measures promoting 
compliance and cooperation (This is 
specific to 12.1);  
ii. Build capacity in internal and 
external stakeholders;  
iii. Undertake public education 
activities;  
iv. Develop a compliance mechanism, 
inclusive of related Policy and Plan;  
v. Develop protocols to facilitate 
cooperation.  
 
__________  