Barrels &
Personal Shipments

We make clearing barrels and personal shipments simple, efficient, and hassle-free from arrival to collection.
View clearance steps here

Efficient Clearance for Barrels and Other Personal Shipments

Sending barrels to loved ones in Jamaica is a long-standing tradition. At Kingston Wharves, we make the process simple, secure, and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clear your barrel or other personal shipments.  

Here are the steps to clearing barrels and other personal shipments:

Starting the Shipping Process from Overseas

The process begins with selecting an overseas shipping agent or freight forwarder. They will:

  • Collect your items, prepare documentation and arrange shipment to Jamaica.
  • Provide you with the details of their local agent so you can prepare for clearance when the cargo arrives in Jamaica.

If your cargo is valued at over $5,000USD, or require approval of import permits, you will require the services of a licensed Customs Broker to do the process on your behalf.

The overseas agent coordinates with the Jamaica-based agent, who manages the local clearance process once the shipment arrives at Kingston Wharves.

Once your shipment arrives, the local agent will notify you or your Broker and schedule an appointment on the Kingston Wharves Website for submission of documentation and payment. You may choose to visit Kingston Wharves to complete the clearance process on your own or use Kingston Wharves’ contactless Click N Collect service.

 
Option 1: Use Click N Collect (Contactless Clearance)

Click N Collect allows you to complete all your payments to the Kingston Wharves, Agent, Customs online, after which Kingston Wharves finalizes conducts and complete the inspection and clearance process on your behalf. You only visit the wharf to pick up your cargo which may take as little as 15 minutes.

 
Option 2: Clear the Cargo Yourself

If you choose to handle clearance personally:

  1. Visit the local agent to pay fees and collect the Bill of Lading.
  2. Pay Kingston Wharves charges online at eservices.kingstonwharves.com or at the Total Logistics Facility (TLF) or Kingsport Warehouse Complex (KWC) warehouse where cargo is stored. 
The following fees apply:
  • Freight forwarder/Agent Fees
    • Customs Broker Fees (If required)
  • Kingston Wharves Fees
    • Handling and Lifting Fees
  • Port Authority Storage Fees (incurred daily 7 days after arrival at the port/or being stripped from container)
  • Customs Fees payable to the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA)

Kingston Wharves offers several payment methods:

You must present:
  • Bill of Lading
  • Valid Government-issued ID (Passport, Driver’s Licence, or National ID)
  • Tax Registration Number (TRN)
Provide:
  • A signed and stamped authorization letter from a Justice of the Peace
  • Two forms of ID (yours and the consignee’s)
Bring:
  • Passport with landing stamp
  • UBA Slip
A Customs Officer will inspect your shipment, calculate duties, and issue a Customs Release. Kingston Wharves then issues your gate pass. After receiving the gate pass, proceed with your vehicle to the delivery dock to collect your shipment. Ensure your vehicle can safely accommodate the size and type of cargo.