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Trade board says claims about non-approval of special import permit for taxi operators false

Published:Monday | May 20, 2024 | 3:14 PM
The agency is urging the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing it.

The Jamaica Trade Board is advising the public that information being circulated regarding the non-approval of special permits for 2015 cars or SUVs under the registered taxi operator programme, which ended on January 2019, is false.

The agency noted that the Incentive for Registered Taxi Operator Programme made provisions for the importation of motor vehicles no older than eight years.

It stated that although the programme ended, used car dealers with quotas are allowed to utilise their full allotment until the approved amount has been exhausted.

“Importantly, this programme was designed for use by registered taxi operators only,” the agency stated.

A permit application submitted via www.jswift.gov.jm that utilises this incentive must include documentary evidence that it is being sold to a legitimate taxi operator.

The required documentary evidence that must be submitted along with an application to benefit from this incentive is a public passenger vehicle (PPV) licence.

The trade board is reminding the public that, ordinarily, the age limit for importation of a used car or SUV is six years.

But it noted that it is guided by the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, 2014.

Meanwhile, the trade board said it has come to its attention that a document is being circulated that bears the logo of AutoTerminal Japan (ATJ).

It said this document falsely claims to outline updated policies regarding the importation of luxury vehicles, particularly vehicles originating from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, UK, or the USA.

“The Jamaica Trade Board wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this document is fraudulent and has absolutely no affiliation with the entity nor ATJ.

“The information contained therein is entirely fabricated and does not reflect our organisation's policies or procedures in any way.”

The agency is urging the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing it.

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