Jul 28, 2009
Only 30% Of Barrels Being Cleared
According to Commissioner of Customs – Danville Walker – only 30% of barrels sent through Jamaica’s customs are actually being cleared. Apparently, some regular barrel recipients are now finding it more economical to purchase goods here in Jamaica, rather than pay the custom duties and charges associated with clearing a barrel.
Walker said recently “people still have the barrel culture. So you find barrels are coming in, but people are not clearing them, because they realize it is more economical to buy stuff here. You also find that persons picking up a barrel may not be aware that there is a cost to clear it. And this cost is left up to them.” Typically he said that this cost is in the range of J$10,000.