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Can I send food to Jamaica?

Conditions apply

Yes, some food, with conditions.

Sealed, labeled snacks, baked goods, cereals, condiments without meat, canned fish and infant formula need no permit, though Customs inspects them. Meat, milk, cheese and pet food need a veterinary import permit. Honey is banned.

For every Onvoyo box: Only sealed, shop-bought, shelf-stable food. Express couriers don't carry perishable food: nothing fresh, frozen, meat, dairy or produce.

The rule

Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture controls food of animal origin. Personal imports are limited to 45 kg per person. Meat and dairy must be in original sealed packaging with an official seal or stamp and proof of origin. Without a permit they're confiscated and destroyed. Salted or cooked fish up to 10 kg (20 lb) needs no permit.

How to pack and declare it

Keep everything in its original, unopened packaging with the label showing. On the contents list, write the product and brand, such as "Crackers, sealed, 4 boxes". Never write just "food". Put food in its own box, so an inspection doesn't hold up the rest of the shipment.

Common mistakes that get boxes held

Canned corned beef. It's meat, so it needs a veterinary permit even though it's canned.
Honey, including honey in sauces or snacks where it's a main ingredient.
US pork products not in sealed cans, which are banned.

More rules for Jamaica

Not allowed

Honey and honey products

Allowed with conditions

Meat, poultry, and seafood, including home-cooked and canned meat such as corned beef: Need a veterinary import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Personal imports are limited to 45 kg, in the original packaging with an official seal or stamp and proof of origin. Without a permit they are confiscated and destroyed.
Milk, cheese, and pet food: Need a veterinary import permit. Up to 45 kg for personal use, sealed in the original packaging. Milk and cheese products must not contain meat.
Fish: Wild-caught fish and shellfish need a veterinary permit. Salted or cooked fish up to 10 kg (20 lb) per person needs no permit. Canned fish needs no permit but is still inspected.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, ground provisions, plants, and plant products: Need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture's Plant Quarantine branch before they ship.

Quantity limits

Animal products (personal use): Up to 45 kg per person. Meat, milk, cheese, and pet food need a veterinary import permit; baked goods, sweets, canned fish, and infant formula don't.

Before you ship to Jamaica

Tax-free limit: If the goods in a shipment are worth US$100 FOB (about J$15,950) or less, no duty or tax is due. FOB means the goods alone, without shipping or insurance. The rule covers commercial and non-commercial shipments. Above US$100, duty and taxes are charged on the whole CIF value (goods, insurance, and freight), not just the part over the limit.
Receiver ID: TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number) needed. Customs asks for the receiver's TRN and valid photo ID to clear personal goods, including unaccompanied baggage and barrels, so expect the courier to ask for it too. A TRN is free from Tax Administration Jamaica: apply at any of its 29 collectorates (tax offices) with photo ID and supporting documents such as a certified birth or marriage certificate. Get it before the box ships.
Transit: 2-5 business days from North America; 4-7 from Europe; 5-8 from Asia