Import Phase Of Port System Is A Go

The Port Authority of Jamaica has now rolled out the import phase of its Port Community System, PCS.

It will deal with submissions related to Less-Than-Container-Load or LCL manifests to the Jamaica Customs Agency, authorisations from customs, shipping agents and freight forwarders, container terminals and customs brokers/freight-forwarders, said a release issued through a publicist.

"Instead of checking the required physical documents, as was the case prior to the electronic system, the terminals' gate staff will now check their electronic equivalent, made through the PCS computerised system, before allowing cargo to leave the port," the release said.

Visits by all cargo vessels to Jamaica are reported by shipping agents to Customs through the PCS.

"This has resulted in a decreased turnaround time for the completion of trans-shipment bills from 30 minutes to an average of five minutes, while also facilitating 24-hour business transactions," the release said.

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner