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Barrel Shipping Procedures and Prohibited Items

When shipping to the Caribbean or Jamaica, barrel shipping is a popular and common procedure. It’s ideal for shipping heavier goods as you can fill barrels to the brim without any risk of loss. However, in order to ensure safety during barrels export, there are certain restrictions placed on what can and cannot be shipped. And certain rules and considerations that everyone must adhere to. Let’s discuss these prohibitions and regulations.

Items Restricted From Import to the Caribbean and Jamaica

It is illegal to ship the following items to the Caribbean or Jamaica unless you have permits from respective agencies (National Security, Trade Board, Pesticide Control, etc.):

  • Alcohol
  • Ammunition
  • Animals
  • Bullet Proof Vests
  • Camouflage Clothing
  • Chemicals
  • Coconut Derivatives
  • Credit Card Scaninng Equipment
  • Crossbows and Longbows
  • Dynamite and other Explosives
  • Fire Crackers
  • Firearm Accessories
  • Flowers
  • Fruits
  • Percussion Caps
  • Pesticides
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Plants
  • Radar Detectors
  • Radios
  • Red Beans
  • Garlic
  • Ground Provision
  • Gun Holsters
  • Handguns
  • Herbal Teas
  • Human Remains
  • Knives and Swords
  • Laser Light Pointers
  • Meats
  • Metal Detectors
  • Milk based Products
  • Motorbikes (700cc and over)
  • Onions
  • Pepper Sprays
  • Riot Gear
  • Spear Guns
  • Sugar
  • Tasers
  • Toy Guns
  • Vegetables
  • Vehicles

Requirements for Consignees

All consignees that are citizens of Jamaica are required to provide a valid photo ID and their Tax Registration Number (TRN) to the agents in Jamaica. For all the consignees that are not citizens and do not have a TRN number, they must use their passport to get one and provide it along with their valid photo ID.

How to Clear Barrels and Packages?

People shipping for the first time may have queries about the process of clearing barrels. Just follow these six simple steps:


  • Collect documents and pay: Collect all of your shipping documents from the agent and pay the handling and storage fees that is applicable.
  • Go to the warehouse: Take the documents to the warehouse where your barrel(s) or package(s) is/are stored.
  • Present the documents: Present all your shipping documents to the security personnel.
  • Have your items examined: Once your item(s) is/are located, unpack the package or barrel for examination.
  • Customs: After you have been cleared from the examination, go to the Customs Cashier and pay. In the case that you have an “unaccompanied baggage declaration” from the airport, present it along with your passport and TRN for verification. If not, simply make the payment.
  • Get a gate pass: Take your release order and approach the warehouse operator, who will then issue you a gate pass.


Once you have a gate pass, you’ve cleared all your items and are free to go.


Important Note: Barrels that contain either “Personal Effects” or “Non-Commercial” are accountable for a fees of JMD$6,500.00 (subject to change).

Considerations to Keep In Mind for Consignees

Here is a list of the most important things to keep in mind when traveling to the Caribbean or Jamaica with your goods.


  • Check and recheck to ensure that all your invoices are the same as the contents being shipped. Any mismatch may create problems.
  • In case of any confusion, always reach out for help to the freight specialist instead of ignoring the issue.
  • Do NOT bring children to the premises due to the presence of heavy machinery.
  • Do NOT pay anyone other than your Customs Cashiers. Lookout for hustlers.
  • Clearing goods can be tough. Collect a c26 (yellow paper) at the airport to get some allowance during the task.
  • If you’re shipping wood packaging material, ensure that it is Heat Treated and ISPM 15 certified.
  • Dress properly.


Our experts at Quality One International Shipping can make the process stress-free for you. Please call our Lauderdale Office at (954) 530-3997 for more details.

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