Jamaica Customs Agency Strives for Excellence with ISO CertificationJamaica Customs Agency Strives for Excellence with ISO Certification Over a year since achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) remains committed to maintaining and enhancing its services. Implementing ISO Standards for Quality Improvement To ensure continued compliance, the agency has implemented various measures, including: * Strengthening capacity to continually improve the system through effective management reviews * Providing continuous training for internal quality auditors to conduct objective audits Positive Impact on Stakeholders Stakeholders like Leon Smith, Managing Director of GOMax Customs Brokers, have witnessed significant improvements in the agency’s efficiency. He commends the JCA’s ability to translate quality systems into practical customer services, particularly at Sangster International Airport. Continuous Improvement as a Priority The JCA recognizes the importance of adapting to a changing business environment. By focusing on customer satisfaction, the agency continuously seeks ways to improve its systems, processes, and procedures. Meeting International Standards and Best Practices The agency’s efforts align with international standards and best practices. By adhering to these standards, the JCA provides exceptional service that meets customer and regulatory requirements. Commitment to Excellence and Customer Satisfaction The JCA’s commitment to maintaining its ISO certification demonstrates its dedication to providing high-quality services to stakeholders. Through continuous improvement and customer focus, the agency aims to exceed expectations and generate revenue for Jamaica’s leading tourism services industry.
Just over a year after the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) received its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, the agency has implemented numerous mechanisms to ensure that the certification is maintained. More importantly, these measures are aimed at providing both staff and external stakeholders with exceptional quality service.
ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate that they can consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It is the most popular standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard in the series to which organizations can certify.
The JCA achieved its certification on April 18, 2023, after successfully completing two-phase certification audits conducted by the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ).
Sean Barrow, quality assurance manager at the JCA, discussed the various measures the agency has taken.
“The JCA, in a bid to underline its unwavering commitment to maintaining and operating a robust and effective Quality Management System, has ensured that it has strengthened its capacity to continually improve the system through effective management reviews and the involvement of continuous capacity building initiatives/trainings for the internal quality auditors, to equip them to conduct professional and objective quality audits,” he informed.
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He added: “This will ensure that the JCA remains vital in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment, with customer focus being a priority by always striving to improve service delivery in line with international standards and best practices.”
Stakeholders praise Jamaica Customs Agency for improved service
Leon Smith, Managing Director of GOMax Customs Brokers and a stakeholder of the JCA for over 30 years, shared his perspective on the impact of ISO 9001:2015 certification on the agency’s service outputs. “In my over three decades of experience as a customs broker, I have witnessed the great leaps in efficiency of the agency across the spectrum of its operations, particularly its operations at Sangster International Airport,” he said.
He further stated: “The rapid turnaround time in moving visitors and goods through the airport (and ports) is nothing short of remarkable. It is a testament to the Agency’s ability to translate quality systems and processes on paper into practical, high-quality customer services; values that support lifelong relationships in Jamaica’s leading tourism services industry, and generate much-needed revenue and fame for our home island.”
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Mr. Smith also commended the efforts of the JCA to improve and advance its services to all stakeholders. “GOMax Customs Brokers is pleased to recognize the exemplary performance of the JCA in implementing and maintaining quality management systems in the Jamaica Customs Administration and wishes the agency all the best in its efforts for continuous improvement and service excellence,” he stated.
The JCA continues to seek ways to improve its systems, processes and procedures to ensure that customers receive excellent service in line with international standards and best practices.
