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What food items can I bring into Jamaica?

What food items can I bring into Jamaica? <br>Source: http://www.mbjairport.com/customs

What food items can I bring into Jamaica?
Source: http://www.mbjairport.com/customs

Whew! I was just about to log off but was drawn to this question, 'What food items can I bring into Jamaica?' It's such a popular question I didn't want to delay it for another day.


What food items can I bring into Jamaica? May I bring Vacuum sealed package of salt codfish to Jamaica as a gift?


ANSWER: by Wellesley

Hi there,

Great question - and for the benefit of everyone else who might read this later, we are talking about animal foods or foods of animal origin - that's a risk!

To answer your question though, YES, you should be fine with a vacuum-sealed package of salted fish.

According to The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF), the department responsible for regulating this process, restricted food items depending on both the product and the country of origin.

Foods That Are Allowed Into Jamaica


The items that are currently allowed, for personal, non-commercial, use include the following...


  1. Fish products which should be less than 20 pounds.

    1. Salted fish
    2. Herring
    3. Mackerel
    4. Cooked fish &
    5. Canned fish


  2. Baked and processed products, chocolates, candies, cereals, and other confectionery items. Donuts, crackers, cookies, cakes, biscuits, granola bars, etc are also allowed - assuming they contain no meat.

  3. Commercially produced and labeled, dry mixes containing dairy and egg ingredients, drink and baking mixes, instant pudding mixes, liquid drink mixes containing reconstituted dry milk or dry milk products.
  4. Condiments, including ketchup, mustard & mayonnaise
  5. Nutritional beverages &
  6. Infant formula etc.


Imports of these animal products are allowed up to 45 Kg in total but it is recommended that you declare the same on section 13(a) of the Jamaica Customs C5 Declaration Form.

Foods That You Are Prohibited From Bringing To Jamaica


And just so you know... the items that are totally prohibited. If you have these, you might be in trouble.


  1. Honey and its by-products
  2. Pork and pork products (not including sealed cans/ tins) from the USA.
  3. Beef and beef products and by-products from Canada and
  4. conch and lobster, neither live nor processed.


They have what is called, High-Risk items as well, and I think this is where it gets dicey. In many cases, they say a risk assessment is done and there are no guarantees!


  1. Live animals (or their parts) for example, tail, feathers, skin, head, etc.
  2. Raw fresh or frozen meat
  3. Meat personally cooked.



Remember again though that for the purpose of this discussion, I am only speaking to foods for personal (not commercial) use that is animal derived.

Items for commercial purposes have separate requirements and will require a Veterinary Import Permit.

These requirements are governed by The Animals (Diseases And Importation) Act Of 1948. Additional information can be sourced at The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries website.

Again, thanks for asking!

You might also be interested in our articles on the duty-free allowance for Jamaica as well as rules for the importation of cats and dogs in Jamaica.

As usual, I welcome your comments here.

Regards,
WG

P.S. We've answered HUNDREDS of questions, click here and here to get even more answers.

Reference

  1. "Non-Commercial/Personal Imports of Animal, Animal Products and Animal Related Products through the Airport, Seaport and Courier Services", Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Retrieved from
    http://micaf.gov.jm/content/non-commercialpersonal-imports-animal-animal-products-and-animal-related-products-through-1 on August 20, 2019 (source)

Comments for What food items can I bring into Jamaica?

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 22, 2023
 Smoked turkey
by: Anonymous

Can I bring smoked turkey in Jamaica without a license but would declare it to custom?

Editor's Note
You can yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Technically, you don't need a license, but you should declare it to customs.

The folks here are pretty cool but honesty is the best policy, especially at the border. Just let them know what you've got, and they'll guide you on any steps you need to take. Enjoy your time in JA and savor that smoked turkey!
Aug 08, 2023
 homemade preserves
by: Anonymous

I want to send some jelly and jams that I made to my friend in Jamaica is that allowed?
Feb 17, 2023
 Can I bring garlic and onion
by: Anonymous

Can I bring onions and garlic
Feb 17, 2023
 Just to be sure...
by: Anonymous

Hello, thank you for such an informative article. Just want to be sure...if I'm taking back two packs of frozen sausages they might confiscate it?
Dec 31, 2021
 Sprouts
by: Mum

My mother is getting up in age and she is longing for some sprouts on her dinner can I bring her some from the uk
Nov 03, 2020
 Response
by: Admin

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