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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 handles motor vehicles for both the domestic and transhipment markets. We are a leading auto transshipment hub for major autoliners, connecting the region to global markets in over 45 destinations. Investing heavily in building its motor vehicle handling capacity, KWL facilitates the movement of large volumes of motor vehicles, heavy equipment and auto parts annually.  

We operate in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and provide elite third-party logistics services to local and international auto dealers, including the management of inventory.

Here are the steps to clearing your motor vehicle shipments:

Engage a Customs Broker

If you are seeking to import a motor vehicle into Jamaica, you first need to engage a dealer or a licensed importer. When the vehicle arrives, a registered Customs Broker is required to clear it.   

The dealers are required to contact you, the owner once the vehicle has arrived in the island. For motor vehicles arriving as part of a container, the freight-forwarder should contact the client or owner.  

  • Collect the Bill of Lading from your Shipping Agent/Broker  
  • Conduct a Bill of Sight with Jamaica Customs (If you imported a used vehicle).  
  • Prepare Jamaica Customs Import Entry.   
  • Pay Kingston Wharves for Handling  
  • Pay Customs Duty at Jamaica Customs Agency  
  • Make an appointment on the Kingston Wharves website to clear your vehicle.  

Fees associated with your motor vehicle importation include:   

  • Shipping Agent fees 
  • Kingston Wharves Fees 
  • Port Development Cess Cost (calculated by the weight and measure of the vehicle)  
  • Handling and Re-handling  
  • Transaction  
  • Wharfage   
  • Customs Brokers Fees (Payable to Your Customs Broker)  
  • Customs Duty (Payable at Jamaica Customs)   
  • Permit related charges (if applicable) 

Kingston Wharves Limited offers a range of payment options to import, export and tranship motor vehicles. 

  1. Online Payment – Our clients can take advantage of electronic payment options by visiting our online payment platform eservices.kingstonwharves.com   
  1. Wire Transfer – send a bank transfer directly from your bank account to KWL’s account.  After a bank transfer, send KWL a notification to www.customer.services@kwljm.com, copying kwfinance@kwljm.com.  Be sure to include the Bill of Lading number, your name, the amount paid and the bank from which the funds were sent. This will enable KWL to match the transaction with your Bill of Lading and expedite the cargo clearance process without visiting the cashier. 

  

  1. Mobile App  

Kingston Wharves also has a Mobile App which allows you to make a payment from your phone, once you have the Bill of Lading Number.   

  1. In-Branch – Payments can be made at any of our three locations: 
  • TLF-Total Logistics Facility at 195 Second Street Newport West  
  • GALC – Global Auto Logistics Facility at Tinson Pen. 
  • KWC- Kingport Warehouse Complex  (Only credit cards, debit cards and  cheques are accepted at Tinson Pen)  

To clear your vehicle, you need to collect: 

  1. Bill Lading  
  1. Customs Entry from your Customs Broker 
  1. Valid Identification.  

Once your motor vehicle’s final destination is Jamaica, it should be collected at the Kingston Wharves Global Auto Logistics Centre at Tinson Pen or on the KWL Terminal. Your agent is usually informed about the precise 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.