Just over a year since the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) received its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification, the agency has implemented numerous mechanisms to ensure the certification is retained. More importantly, these measures aim to provide both staff and external stakeholders with exceptional quality service delivery.
ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide 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 the two-stage certification audits conducted by the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ).
Sean Barrow, Quality Assurance Manager within the JCA, highlighted the various measures the agency has put in place.
“The JCA, in an effort to underscore its unwavering commitment to maintaining and operating a robust and effective Quality Management System, ensured that it bolstered its capacity to continually improve the system through effective Management Reviews and the engagement of ongoing capacity building initiatives/trainings for the Internal Quality Auditors, to equip them in effecting professional and objective quality audits,” he shared.
He added, “This will ensure that the JCA remains buoyant in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment with customer focus a priority by always seeking to improve service delivery in keeping 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 the ISO 9001:2015 certification on the agency’s service outputs. “In my over three decades of experience as a Customs Broker, I have observed the great strides in the Agency’s efficiencies across the gamut of its operations, in particular, its operations at the Sangster International Airport,” he said.
He further stated, “The quick turnaround time in moving visitors and goods through the airport [and ports], has been nothing short of remarkable. It is a testament to the Agency’s capacity to translate quality systems and processes on paper into practical, high-value customer services; values that support lifelong relationships in Jamaica’s world-leading Tourism services industry, bringing well-needed income and fame for our island home.”
Mr. Smith also praised the JCA’s efforts in improving and advancing its services for all stakeholders. “GOMax Customs Brokers is pleased to acknowledge the exemplary performance of JCA in implementing and sustaining quality management systems in Jamaica’s Customs administration, and wish the Agency the very best in its efforts at continuous improvement and service excellence,” he stated.
The JCA continues to seek ways to enhance its systems, processes, and procedures, ensuring that customers receive excellent service delivery consistent with international standards and best practices.
