Jamaica Customs has three specific mandates: The equitable collection of revenue, protection of Jamaica’s borders against illicit imports and the facilitation of trade.  JCA carries out these functions by:

• Assessing and collecting customs duties, fees, and penalties due on imports; such as CESS (tax) collected on milk related products
• Detecting and apprehending persons engaged in fraudulent practices designed to circumvent Customs related laws;
• Protecting Jamaica's industries, labour and intellectual property rights by enforcing Jamaica's laws intended to prevent illegal trade practices, including provisions related to quotas; the Anti-Dumping Act; and by providing Customs Records for copyrights, patents and trademarks.