On 16 July 2025, Jamaica deposited its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System) with WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, becoming the 163rd Contracting Party to the Convention.

The Harmonized System Convention will enter into force in Jamacia on 1 June 2026. The accession will not impact Jamaica’ Customs tariff and statistical nomenclature as it is already based on the Harmonized System (HS). However, it will enable Jamaica to participate in the maintenance and the review of the instrument. As a Contracting Party, Jamaica gains the ability to be represented on the Harmonized System Committee and the Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee as they examine amendment proposals and questions on the scope and application of the HS.   

The WCO is pleased to welcome Jamaica as the and looks forward to its active participation with respect to HS-related matters.