Visit Expo Jamaica

Menu

Membership Benefits

As a JMEA member, you gain access to exclusive opportunities, advocacy, resources, and connections designed to help your business grow, compete, and thrive.

Advocacy

We represent our members’ interests to both public and private sector stakeholders on matters affecting manufacturers and exporters. Several major incentives have been secured, including duty-free imports of raw materials, equipment, and more.

Access to Incentives

Members receive assistance in accessing manufacturing and agricultural incentives available through relevant government agencies.

Savings on Shipping Costs

JMEA members enjoy exclusive discounts on shipping services, including 30% to 60% off DHL (Jamaica) rates for importing and exporting goods.

Standards and Quality Support

Through our partnership with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), members receive support in acquiring and implementing both local and international standards. Members also benefit from a 20%–25% discount on related services.

Strategic Partnerships

We connect members to opportunities through strategic partnerships and programmes. This includes access to finance, mentorship, and valuable linkages to local and international markets—empowering members to grow and thrive.

Business Operations Support

Members receive guidance on starting, managing, and expanding a manufacturing or export business.

 

Mentorship and Technical Support

Structured programmes are designed to build capacity and offer tailored mentorship and technical support to members.

 

JMEA/VM Pension – JMEA Retirement Account (JMEARA)

This programme provides an option for companies with existing employer-sponsored pension plans. Benefits include discounted fees for investment and risk management services, access to corporate financing solutions, and financial coaching for companies preparing to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).

 

Industry Information

Members receive timely, actionable insights through regular reports on macroeconomic conditions, market trends, trade opportunities, and more.
These are delivered via email bulletins, research papers, membership meetings, and other channels.

The JMEA Care Plan – Group Health and Life Insurance

This programme offers JMEA members access to affordable group health and life insurance coverage tailored for SMEs, contract workers, and their employees. Members also benefit from financial wellness education, competitive premiums, and additional business development support through Sagicor Bank.

Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic

leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Licenses, Permits, and Certificates: A Quick Guide

Apply for the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications at the following Agencies:

  • Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division: Contact for exportation of agricultural produce. A certified packaging facility is required. Specifications and guidelines can be obtained from PQPI.
  • Veterinary Services Division: Contact for export permits/licenses related to the following:
    • Apicultural products
    • Bee products
    • Animals and animal by-products
  • Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Agency (JACRA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Coffee
    • Coconut
    • Cocoa
    • Spices (including Pimento, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Turmeric).
  • Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Cannabis
    • Hemp
  • Mines and Geology Division: Contact for exporting the following minerals:
    • Bauxite
    • Limestone
    • Aggregates
    • Gravel
    • Alumina
    • Cement
    • Rock
    • Stone
    • Soil
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap products (metals, batteries, etc.)
    • Hazardous materials
    • Endangered species.
  • Trade Board Limited: Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap metal (including scrap batteries and scrap gold)
    • Coffee
    • Ammunition (explosives and firearms)
    • Plasma
    • Wood (Lignum Vitae and log wood only)
    • Jewellery (excluding those from earth metals)
    • Brown Sugar
  • Ministry of Health and Wellness: Contact for exporting pharmaceutical products.

Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ): Consult with the BSJ for guidance on processed food prior to exporting. This includes information on standards, labelling and market requirements.

Learn More