Visit Expo Jamaica

Menu

Who We Are

The Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA)

The Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA) is the voice of Jamaica’s manufacturing, export, and services sectors. We drive industry growth and global competitiveness through advocacy, strategic partnerships, export services, research, capacity building, and access to financing. Committed to promoting Brand Jamaica locally and internationally, the JMEA empowers businesses to scale and thrive through a range of development programmes, trade initiatives, and networking opportunities

Our Vision

To be the driving force for the productive sectors to advance a thriving manufacturing and export-led economy.

Our Mission

To strengthen our member companies through representation, services, support, and the leveraging of networks to ensure that the manufacturing and export sectors create sustainable growth and quality jobs for Jamaica.

Our History

The Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA) was formed in 2018 through the merger of two of Jamaica’s most influential industry bodies: the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), established in 1947, and the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), founded in 1985. This strategic merger united decades of expertise in manufacturing and export sectors to better serve Jamaica’s business community.

Since its formation, JMEA has strengthened its role as the leading voice for manufacturers, exporters, and service providers, advocating for policies that drive economic growth and global competitiveness. By combining the legacies of the JMA and JEA, the JMEA continues to promote Brand Jamaica locally and internationally, supporting members through advocacy, capacity building, and trade development initiatives.

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