Commerce, as the name suggests, is the Division of the Ministry that has responsibility for the overarching policy framework that governs how business and trade activities are conducted within Jamaica. While this suggests an all-embracing approach by the Ministry to commercial development, there are in fact, key policy nodes within the Ministry's mandate which give a sharper definition to the work of the Division. These key areas of policy include:
- motor vehicle imports
- regulation of fair trade on the domestic market
- development of World Trade Organisation-compatible trade remedies in the event of unfair or injurious levels of imports
- company registration
- import and export licensing
- standards development and regulation
- consumer protection and
- application of provisions under the CARICOM Treaty that govern intra-regional trade.
The focus of the Division is on policy development and monitoring in these key areas of commerce. The Director of Commerce has overall responsibility to ensure that the Division’s work programme accurately reflects Ministry's objectives and ensures timely development of agreed policy initiatives. The Director also maintains close collaboration with the private sector in areas related to import policy, commerce and the distributive trade.
The Motor Vehicle Import Policy Unit handles all applications for new and used car dealers. In addition to the inspection of car dealerships, the Motor Vehicle Unit in the Commerce Division monitors activities related to the importation of all motor vehicles.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Desk handles requests from Jamaican companies for the suspension of CARICOM's Common External Tariff (CET), as well as requests for Certificates under the Safeguard Mechanism (permission to temporarily import raw materials that may be used in the production of goods for export to CARICOM). The CARICOM Desk Officer also handles issues pertaining to regional trade in goods that may affect producers and traders.
The Import Monitoring Unit deals with policy developments connected with World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade-related measures such safeguards, anti-dumping and subsidies. As the Liaison Officer in the Ministry for several agencies under the Commerce portfolio, the Officer also address matters relevant to standards development, import monitoring, fair trade and consumer protection.
The Information Officer deals with matters relating to the Companies Act, including applications to dispose with the word "Limited" from the name of a company and to dispense with publishing the names of Directors on stationery and applications for companies incorporated outside of the island to carry on business in Jamaica. The officer also participates in sessions at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security relating to applications for work permits
The Commerce Division liaises with agencies under the commerce portfolio and addresses matters relevant to standards development, import monitoring, fair trade and consumer protection. The Division works closely with:
- Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission
- Bureau of Standards
- Consumer Affairs Commission
- Fair Trading Commission
- Office of the Registrar of Companies
- Trade Board