Do we need to declare gifts at Customs?

[gregandkelly63]

We always bring gifts. Never even considered having to declare them. Oops. This trip we are bringing 24 backpacks. I guess we need to declare them.

[shelley]

I posted separately but do you know of a group that would take baby clothing and shoes in Negril. All clean and good condition.

[jamaicajeanne]

St Anthony's soup kitchen also runs a thrift store and I am sure they would appreciate the baby clothing.
We always bring gifts too, however, it has always been my understanding that if you are not selling any items in Jamaica, then there is no need to declare them...see below.....up to $500 duty free on household and personal affects....

Allowances



All passengers 18 years and older are allowed the following:

* US$500 duty-free

on household and personal effects;

* 170 ml bottle of perfume

* 340 ml bottle of eau

de toilette

* 2 litres of alcoholic beverages

* 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230 grams of processed tobacco

[captaind & Linston]

Allowances

All passengers 18 years and older are allowed the following:

* US$500 duty-free

on household and personal effects;

Unless you have a household this doesn't apply. You'll need a TRN, proof of domicile etc. Been there - done that

Cap

[wrtiii]

...it has always been my understanding that if you are not selling any items in Jamaica, then there is no need to declare them.

Legally, you need to declare them. I think it's only fair to give correct answers to these questions. "Somebody on an Internet message board told me no need to declare them" isn't a good defense if your luggage is searched. See the first FAQ at

http://www.jacustoms.gov.jm/home_tem...AQs&group_id=1

Note that the "allowances" from captaind above says in full

Jamaican residents, 18 years and over with a Jamaican passport, returning from a trip abroad, may bring with them, free of duty, personal and household effects, including gifts, which together are of a value not exceeding US$500 or the equivalent in Jamaican currency.

So the $500. allowance does not apply to tourists.

[jamaicajeanne]

Very interesting.

[captaind & Linston]

Note that the "allowances" from captaind above says in full

So the $500. allowance does not apply to tourists.

The new immigration for doesn't specify resident but refers to ALL passengers. As usual government doubletalk LOL:


Cap

[jamaicajeanne]

Thanks Cap! I feel better now, LOL!