The Government of Jamaica has granted a 30-day tax waiver (October 29 – November 28, 2025) on relief goods imported by the public for Hurricane Melissa recovery. Import Duty (ID) and General Consumption Tax (GCT) are temporarily waived, making it easier for Jamaicans at home and abroad to send help.
(Source: Jamaica Customs Agency’s “List of Disaster Relief Items for the General Public.”)
Below are the 10 items every affected household needs first, drawn from on-the-ground reports in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and Trelawny and all are eligible for the waiver.
1. Tarpaulins & Roofing Sheets (Zinc)
Roofs are gone from hundreds of homes; tarps give instant weatherproofing.
Waiver-eligible: Yes, tarpaulins and zinc sheets.
2. Mattresses, Bed Linens & Sleeping Bags
Families are sleeping on floors or damp bedding; clean rest saves health.
Waiver-eligible: Yes, mattresses, bed linen, sleeping bags, bed cots.
3. Clean Water & Storage Containers
Potable water is scarce after flooding. Bottled water and jerry cans are lifesavers.
Waiver-eligible: Bottled water, buckets/pans (water storage containers).
4. Non-Perishable Food
Canned goods, rice, flour and baby formula remain top needs in shelters.
Waiver-eligible: Yes, non-perishable food items.
5. Hygiene & First-Aid Kits
Preventing infection in flooded zones is critical. Soap, wipes, sanitary pads, bandages.
Waiver-eligible: Toiletries, hygiene kits, first-aid kits, sanitisers, wipes.
6. Generators (Under 5000 W) & Solar Lights
With widespread power outages, small home units and solar lamps keep families connected.
Waiver-eligible: Generators ≤ 5000 W and solar flood lights.
7. Basic Tools & Nails
Families are rebuilding walls and fences by hand. Hammers, saws, drills, nails, plyboards.
Waiver-eligible: Basic hand tools, nails, ply boards.
8. Clothing & Footwear
Many evacuated with nothing dry. Children’s clothes and shoes are in short supply.
Waiver-eligible: Clothing and rain boots/gear.
9. School Supplies
To get children back to class once schools reopen: bags, books, uniforms, stationery.
Waiver-eligible: Basic school supplies.
10. Portable Cooking & Fuel
Shelters and rural households rely on single burners and fuel cans.
Waiver-eligible: Portable stoves, butane burners, fuel containers.
How the Tax Waiver Works:
- Duration: Oct 29 – Nov 28, 2025
- Applies to: Items imported by individuals for Melissa relief
- Duties waived: Import Duty (ID) and General Consumption Tax (GCT)
- Agency: Jamaica Customs Agency
- Documentation: Declare items as “Disaster Relief for Hurricane Melissa 2025.”
If you’re overseas, coordinate shipments through reputable couriers noting the waiver. At home, buy locally from hardware and wholesale outlets still operating in Montego Bay, Mandeville and Kingston. Each item you send roofing, bedding, food rebuilds a piece of someone’s life.