Tighter Jamaica Customs screening coming for bags and cargo of arriving passengers

The passenger bags and cargo of Jamaicans arriving home as well as visitors are set to undergo greater scrutiny as the Jamaica Customs Agency moves to crack down on illicit goods.

Jamaica Customs has indicated that arriving passengers’ bags and air cargo will be scanned before reaching the baggage claim area, as part of efforts to further strengthen Jamaica’s border protection framework.

The agency says this will allow for earlier identification of illicit goods, reduce reliance on physical searches, and support smoother passenger flow at airports without compromising security.

According to Jamaica Customs, the initiative forms part of the agency’s broader modernisation agenda, which leverages technology, intelligence, and risk-based targeting to address emerging threats and strengthen national border security.

Kingsley Henry, Senior Director for Non-Intrusive Inspection and Security at Jamaica Customs, explained that current scanning operations are diffused, requiring significant human and technical resources.

Speaking during a Customs Week webinar on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Henry said expanding scanning capacity will allow the agency to centralise inspection processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance detection capabilities.

“Our intention is to bring every piece of cargo coming into Jamaica to a point where we can scan it with the greatest confidence,” he said.

“Once scanned, we can release it with the greatest confidence, confirming that it is free of narcotics, firearms, or any other prohibited items,” he added.

Henry further indicated that the model will provide greater assurance to both Customs and travellers.

“When passengers proceed through the Green Channel after collecting their bags, Customs will already have a high level of confidence that there is nothing prohibited inside.”

He also appealed to industry stakeholders for their support, noting that the agency will soon begin its engagement process.

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