Trade between Australia and Jamaica is modest, with the balance heavily in Australia's favour. Australian exports to Jamaica in 2007-08 totaled around A$ 30 million (increasing from A$5 million in 1995) and mainly consisted of meat, motor vehicles and dairy products. Most goods may be freely imported to Jamaica. A limited range of items requires specific import licences, issued by the Trade Administrator. These include motor vehicles, specific chemicals, pharmaceuticals, onions and prepared or preserved tomatoes.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce is responsible for the administration of Jamaican import regulations. Such goods as most fruits and vegetables, grains and seeds are prohibited at all. Opportunities for Australian exporters exist in a number of areas: agriculture, telecommunications, computers and computer accessories, mining, sugar, medicinal and pharmaceutical products.
Production certification, labelling and packaging
Livestock, plants and fresh vegetables must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an approved authority in the country of origin; in Australia this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia, or the relevant state department of agriculture. Spirits may need a certificate of maturity. The Jamaica Bureau of standards is very stringent in exercising its judicial authority and is known to block the entry and sale of goods that are improperly labelled. It is the responsibility of importers and distributors to ensure that goods sold in Jamaica are properly labelled as required by the labelling standards. There are no specific packing requirements except that packing should be secure and guard against extreme heat in summer, humidity in winter and possible storage in the open.
Documentary requirements
Original commercial invoice and its five copies are required. Use of the aligned format devised by the Economic Commission for Europe is highly recommended. The invoice must indicate a full description including:
• the country of origin of the goods;
• a complete description of the weight, marks;
• complete transportation details including port of lading and name of vessel;
• name and address of seller and consignee along with customer order number;
• the name of the bank handling the transaction and the currency of sale;
• terms and conditions of payment and delivery.
Packing list is not mandatory, but it facilitates customs clearance. Certificate of origin is not generally required, although sometimes requested. | 
