Licensing for Quality, Compliance & Sustainability in Agriculture

At the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA), we ensure that Jamaica’s agricultural sector thrives through strict licensing, monitoring, and compliance. If you’re involved in the production, processing, trade, or export of certain agricultural commodities, getting the right license is essential!

What Does JACRA Regulate?

JACRA currently oversees seven key agricultural commodities, along with their products and substitutes:

• COCOA
• COCONUT
• COFFEE
• GINGER
• NUTMEG
• PIMENTO
• TURMERIC

If your business handles any of these communities, read on to see if you need a JACRA license to operate legally.

Do You Need a License? Here’s the Rule!

A JACRA license is required if you are engaged in:

• Manufacturing, processing, or distributing a regulated commodity.
• Importing or exporting a regulated commodity.
• Operating facilities related to the handling of these commodities.
• Running a nursery for any of the regulated commodities.
• Acting as a dealer for any regulated commodity.
• Operating as a special coffee dealer (specific to coffee trade).

Exceptions to the Rule. (i.e. When You Don’t Need a License)
You may be exempt if:

• You grow small, non-commercial amounts of regulated commodities.
• You sell regulated commodities as a wholesaler or retailer purchasing from a licensed JACRA entity.
• You import/export 5 kg or less of a regulated commodity for personal use, gifts, or samples.

You must always verify your activity against the statutory requirements to stay compliant!

Need More Info? For questions or assistance with licensing, please contact us via email at customerservice@jacra.org or by telephone at 876-923-2633, 876-758-5452, or 876-758-1442.