Shipping and Clearing
Your Motor Vehicles

Kingston Wharves stands at the forefront of Caribbean logistics, driving trade, connectivity, and regional growth. 

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Efficient Clearance for Motor Vehicle Shipments

Kingston Wharves is a leading automotive logistics hub, connecting the region to global markets in over 45 destinations, serving both domestic and transshipment markets. With advanced infrastructure and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) operations, Kingston Wharves facilitates the secure handling and clearance of vehicles, heavy equipment, and auto parts.

Here are the steps to clearing your motor vehicle shipments:

Engage a Customs Broker

To import a motor vehicle into Jamaica, you must work with a dealer or licensed importer. When the vehicle arrives, a licensed Customs Broker is required to complete the clearance process.

If the vehicle arrives in a container, the freight forwarder when the container is stripped, however customers with vehicles arriving on RoRo vessels are contacted by the shipping agent.

The major steps include:
  1. Broker / Customer collect the Bill of Lading from the shipping agent.
  2. Broker conducts a Bill of Sight if the vehicle is used.
  3. Broker prepares the Jamaica Customs Import Entry/Declaration.
  4. Pay Kingston Wharves Handling Fees.
  5. Pay Customs Duties at Jamaica Customs.
  6. Book a clearance appointment on the Kingston Wharves website.
Fees may include:
  • Shipping Agent Fees
  • Kingston Wharves Fees
    • Handling and Re-handling Fees
    • Transaction Fees
  • Port Authority Fees
    • Port Development Cess (based on vehicle weight and measurement)
    • Wharfage
  • Customs Broker Fees
  • Customs Duties
  • Permit Fees (if required)

Kingston Wharves offers several payment methods:

You/ Broker must present:
  • Bill of Lading
  • Customs Entry from your Customs Broker
  • Valid Government-issued Identification
Once the Jamaica Customs issues a Release, and all Kingston Charges are settled, Kingston Wharves will proceed to issue a gatepass to complete clearance.  Vehicles can be collected at the Global Auto Logistics Centre at Tinson Pen or the KWL Terminal. Your agent will confirm the exact collection location.
  • Special Notes
The Role of Jamaica Customs in the Clearing my Cargo 
All cargo arriving in Jamaica remains under the custody of the Jamaica Customs Agency until it is officially cleared. Independently of Kingston Wharves Limited, Jamaica Customs is the government’s body responsible for revenue collection and border protection. The agency inspects and assess values the cargo (whether a vehicle or other) and collects its applicable charges/duties on behalf of the government.   
Under Jamaican Law, whenever a motor vehicle is shipped, it must be placed in a bonded warehouse or secure storage area in the custody of Jamaica Customs, until it is cleared. Kingston Wharves’ role is to receive the shipment and provide for its storage as well as safe and efficient delivery. KWL also handles vehicles being exported and those for transhipment.  
Your Customs Broker has the responsibility to help you navigate the cargo clearance process, given his or her training and expertise. Your broker is the liaison between you and the companies involved in the clearance process. The broker provides the relevant documentation and makes the necessary arrangements for the seamless clearing of your cargo. The customs broker usually guides the customer and monitors the process to the point where the container is collected or delivered.