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 23/04/2026
Cement shipments coming amid local production challenges
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce says several interim measures have been implemented to address the shortage of cement locally, one of which will see Jamaica receiving additional supplies this weekend. It says Caribbean Cement Com...
Posted on 23/04/2026
MIIC takes action to stabilise cement supply and support key economic sectors
Kingston, Jamaica — The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) says it is moving to stabilise cement supply after heavy rainfall disrupted operations at Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), affecting availability on the market. I...
Posted on 23/04/2026
The MIIC Takes Action to Stabilise Cement Supply and Support Key Economic Sectors
Kingston, Jamaica: The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica’s Business Ministry, wishes to advise the public that the continuous heavy rainfall across the island in recent weeks has resulted in operational challenges at Caribbean...

