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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my product’s weight information?

Most websites such as Amazon.com will provide the shipping weight in the Product Details. If not, you may contact the vendor and request to know the Product Details.

Why did the declared value of my package change?

Jamaica Customs reserves the right to assess and levy duties and taxes based on their valuation of the item and it is at the discretion of the Inspecting Officer.

How do I track my purchase?

For tracking TARA USA packages, please contact our call centre at 1-888-TARACAN, 926-7982, 960-1766, 929-7685 OR email us to tara.usa@taracan.com and provide the Account Holder’s name stated on the package.

Why is a Customs Authorization Letter required for sign-up?

This is a requirement dictated by Jamaica Customs that allows Tara Courier Services to act on behalf of the customer to clear their packages and is valid for a year.

Which products are restricted?

Restricted Products are considered hazardous or forbidden as determined by Jamaica Customs, IATA and the FAA. Please contact a TARA USA Representative who will guide you to information regarding Restricted Items or contact Jamaica Customs directly to confirm if the item in question is on the restricted list. See our hazardous materials list.

Is there a warranty for items purchased on the Internet?

Warranties for packages are issued by the vendor. You should check with the vendor prior to purchasing to see if they provide warranty. Customers should read warranty carefully to understand the terms and conditions. For e.g. Is this warranty valid out of the United States of America?

What happens if I have already ordered a restricted item?

If it is not yet shipped to Jamaica, and is to be delivered to our office in the US, the options you have are:

● Request from the vendor or manufacturer a return label to be sent to our Florida Office and TARA return the item on your behalf.
● Have the item collected from our TARA Florida Office.
● Abandon the item and request it be destroyed.

If the item has shipped from our Florida Office and arrived in Jamaica, it will potentially be seized by Jamaica Customs and destroyed. In some cases, you may discuss with Jamaica Customs the possibility of obtaining a permit to allow the clearance of the item. For Further information, please feel free to contact our offices.

What is the average delivery time for a package after purchase?

For Airfreight, once your package arrives at our TARA USA Office in Florida by 9:00 am Wednesday morning, the items will be cleared and delivered to your door in Jamaica the following Monday.

Will I need to pay duties on packages and purchases?

If your item’s declared value (Invoice Total including shipping), is over USD$100.00, then Jamaica Customs will inspect and levy the applicable duties and taxes as they see fit.

Are all imports packages are opened? And why?

Jamaica Customs reserves the right to inspect any package entering the island at any port.These items are inspected, and duties and taxes applied due to the Tariff Codes.

What happens if my package is damaged during shipping?

If a customer’s package was damaged during shipping to Jamaica, they may contact our TARA USA Representatives to report the damaged package and an investigation will be conducted.

What Do I Need To Return A Package To The Shipper?

A return authorization is needed from the shipper or merchant vendor. Some vendors will then issue a Return Label; otherwise the cost of the return is due by the customer. When requesting the return label: Clearly state that the point of origin of the return shipment is Jamaica. Some manufacturers or vendors will not provide this service outside of the United States. Tara Courier Services is the authorized contractor for UPS in Jamaica and is available to conducts exports.

Are your offices in Florida opened on weekends?

No. Our office is opened Monday to Friday.

Q What is CIF value?

Cost: This is the total cost of the goods abroad including ex-factory price, commission, mark-up and inland freight but excluding sales tax and interest. The cost of the goods is sometimes expressed as FOB (Free on Board) or FOA (Free on Air)

Insurance: This is the insurance charge which is payable to transport the goods to Jamaica in order to ensure that some compensation will be available to you in the event of the loss or damage of the goods.

If you have not paid any insurance charges when freighting your goods to Jamaica, an insurance charge is still applicable for valuation purposes. For goods arriving by sea, the insurance charge is 1.5% of the total Cost and Freight (c. & f.), that is, if the goods cost US$100 and the freight charge is US$50, then C&F would be US$100 + US$50 = US$150. 1.5% of US$150, i.e. 150 x 3/200 = US$2.25. Total c.i.f. therefore is $100 + $50 + $2.25 = US$152.25.

For shipments arriving by air the insurance applicable is 1% of the total of the Cost and Freight.

Freight: This is the amount of money paid or payable to the shipping agent or the airlines for the goods to be shipped or transported to Jamaica, including inland freight, packaging and handling charges.

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