Jamaica grants temporary tariff and general tariff reductions on imported beryl-related products

The Jamaican government has taken steps to temporarily waive customs duties and general excise taxes (GCT) on imported goods used in recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl.

The rescue work will last from July 4 to August 23.

The Ministry of Finance and Planning said today that the move stems from the activation of the Disaster Risk Management Act and the impact of Hurricane Beryl on Jamaica.

“The Minister of Finance and Public Service approved the exemption of import duties and general excise taxes on imported goods that the Director General of Customs deems to be for relief and recovery purposes.”

This is consistent with tariff and section 47 of the GCT Act.

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Beryl became the first storm to develop into a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic, with winds reaching 165 mph (270 km/h). Hours before striking Jamaica on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, it weakened to a still-destructive Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph.

Beryl also became the easternmost hurricane to form in the tropical Atlantic in June, breaking the record set in 1933.

Beryl’s eyewall passes over southern Jamaicacausing severe damage to many parishes.

Since then, multiple groups from overseas have stepped up to bring relief supplies back home to help those in need. The latest move by the Ministry of Finance will help reduce the cost of shipping supplies to Jamaica.