Queen’s warehouse is a designated area that houses:
- Goods not entered or produced for examination and customs clearance within fourteen (14) days from the time they were unloaded or deposited.
- Goods seized and detained for security purposes.
Disposal of goods deposited in the Queen’s warehouse
General Cargo
Goods stored in the Queen’s warehouse, not entered or delivered within three (3) months or within such further period as the commissioner may direct, may be sold by public auction after one (1) month’s notice is given by publication in the Gazette.
Perishable Goods
Where goods deposited in the Queen’s warehouse are of a perishable nature, it is lawful for the Commissioner to sell same forthwith, without notice, by public auction.
Non-perishable goods deemed not suitable for storage in a Queen’s warehouse, may be stored at the place of landing or any other convenient place (constructively warehoused), may be sold by public auction after fourteen (14) days notice by publication in the Gazette.
Proceeds of sale
Where goods are sold on auction, the proceeds shall be applied as follows:
- duty and taxes
- Expenses of removal and sale
- Rent and charges due to the government
- Freight and other charges
- The balance, if any, is paid to the owner, if applied for within two years from the date of sale. Otherwise, the amount will be paid into the consolidated fund.
Goods damaged in Queen’s warehouse
The law relieves the government of any liability for loss or damage to goods while in a Queen’s warehouse, unless such loss or damage is the direct result, or the wilful act or negligence of government or of an officer.
Auction
All auctions conducted by the Jamaica Customs Agency follows established guidelines and procedures in order to ensure transparency and adherence to the law.
Section 88 of the Customs Act highlights conditions under which items are eligible to be auctioned. The exceptions are those items under investigation or pending court procedures.
Importers/ Owners of goods that have been sent to Queen’s Warehouse may effect clearance up to the day before the sale.
Registering for an auction
All persons wishing to participate in the auction must be registered. Applicants are required to submit:
- One (1) passport size photograph
- TRN Card
- Valid Identification Card (National Id, Driver’s Licenses or Passport)
- Registration Fee $JA 2,000
- A bidder registration card is issued. (Note the registration card expires December 31st each year)
Registration takes place at the following
Queen’s Warehouses
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fridays 8:00 am- 3:00 pm at:
Norman Manley International Airport
Sangster International Airport
230 Spanish Town Road
Reserved Price
A Reserved Price is placed on all goods/motor vehicles to be auctioned. This represents the lowest price at which the goods may be sold to recover the duties, other taxes and charges.
Sale Day
- On the day of the auction, the manager or crier announces the rules.
- Lots are then presented in a sequential order, as they appear on the sales list.
- The Crier/manager will then announce the reserved price for each lot, for the bidding to commence.
- The highest bid will then be accepted with the fall of the gavel.
An officer will then complete the payment slip with the successful bidder’s information, allowing for payment and release of goods.
Goods sold, but not removed from the warehouse within fourteen days from the day of the sale are liable to forfeiture.
Payment
For purchases by manager’s cheque, delivery will not be made until the banks have cleared these cheques; which should be made payable to the Collector of Customs.
Successful bidders who are unable to make full payment on the day of the sale will be required to deposit at least ten percent (applicable only to motor vehicles) of their bids with the balance to be paid within one week (10% is non-refundable). For all other purchases, payment must be made in full.
Cash payment per transaction must not exceed 1 million.