Promise kept: TBL eliminates permit backlog
MIIC Author
Kingston, Jamaica: Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, has delivered on a commitment to clear the import/export permit backlog at the Trade Board Limited (TBL) by Friday, October 9, 2020.
Earlier this month, Minister Shaw issued a directive for the Trade Board Limited to move swiftly to clear the permit backlog which was due in part to hiccups related to the start-up of the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) Portal.
According to Minister Shaw, “the Government of Jamaica remains committed to improving business efficiency for which e-trade is an important feature”. He believes that “the measures put in place at the Trade Board Limited will enable faster processing of licences and permits, and decreased costs due to a reduction in delays and much greater predictability”.
Minister Shaw says importers and exporters have been reporting a shorter turnaround time for the processing of permits.
Six thousand, six hundred and eight (6,608) permits have been approved through JSWIFT since its inception on June 22, 2020.
Recent News
See all news
Posted on 20/07/2026
Government reviewing framework for religious use of cannabis
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett Templer (left) along with (from second left) Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and Chairman of the Cannabis Industry Deve...
Posted on 20/07/2026
Rastafari ganja rights review – Ministers begin consultations on Jamaica’s sacramental cannabis regime
From left: Sancia Bennett Templer, permanent secretary, Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Delano Seiveright, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and chairman of the Cannabis Industry Development Task...
Posted on 17/07/2026
PHOTOS: West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association Reception
Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright (left), and Chairman of the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), Clement “Jimmy” Lawrence (right), present Master Ble...

