- +1 (876) 750-3280-6 | +1 (876) 922-6986 | +1 (876) 948-6981
- pcs_support@portjam.com
- 102-112 Water Lane Kingston, Jamaica
A Port Community System (PCS) is a neutral, open electronic platform designed to enable the secure and intelligent exchange of information between public and private stakeholders within a port community. It serves as a single window for data submission, optimizing, managing, and automating port and logistics processes across seaports, airports, or inland ports.
The PCS integrates various systems operated by different organizations involved in port operations—such as customs, terminal operators, shipping agents, and freight forwarders—ensuring that all stakeholders can share and access relevant information efficiently.
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is the lead agency mandated by the Government of Jamaica to acquire, implement, and oversee the Port Community System (PCS) solution. As Jamaica’s principal maritime agency, the PAJ plays a central role in the development and regulation of the country’s ports.
In the PCS project, the PAJ:
Through this role, the PAJ supported the development, efficiency, and competitiveness of Jamaica’s shipping industry, while promoting seamless and secure trade facilitation.
The PCS Operator supports the daily operation of a dedicated business unit that includes helpdesk, technical support, training, and quality assurance staff. These teams work collaboratively to ensure users experience a seamless and efficient interaction with the system.
The PCS is used by Shipping Agents, Terminal Operators, Truckers, Jamaica Customs, Freight Forwarders, and Brokers. These entities can be categorized as either Private or Public Stakeholders within the maritime industry
Currently, access to the PCS platform is granted only to customs brokers, freight forwarders, and truckers.
To obtain access, all entities must first be registered with Jamaica Customs as an agent company. Once registration is complete, the following information must be submitted:
Company Information:
Registered company name (as listed in ASYCUDA)
Company TRN (as registered in ASYCUDA)
Company email address
Local business address and telephone number
Names and email addresses of the prospective users
Training sessions are conducted monthly for the various PCS modules. Stakeholders are notified through email communications sent by the PCS Training Team.
Interested stakeholders may also request training by sending an email to pcs_support@portjam.com.
Legislative and regulatory changes were necessary to support the implementation of the Port Community System (PCS) in Jamaica. In 2015, the Port Authority (Port Management and Security) (Amendment) Regulations were enacted to provide the legal foundation for the PCS, introducing provisions for electronic data exchange and the collection of user fees. These amendments were supported by formal recognition from the Jamaica Customs Agency, which designated the PCS as an authorised customs electronic communication system. This designation enabled the electronic submission of cargo manifests and other trade-related documents. Together, these regulatory updates were critical in creating a paperless operating environment, ensuring compliance with international trade standards, and advancing the digital transformation of Jamaica’s port and logistics sector.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
The Port Community System (PCS) is designed with interoperability as a key feature. This allows the PCS and the Customs system to work together by integrating seamlessly. As a result, information is accurately transmitted and efficiently processed between both systems.
The PCS solution is best understood as a national change management initiative rather than a traditional IT project. While it uses digital tools like electronic data exchange and system integration, its main goal is to improve how port and logistics operations are managed. The project focuses on reengineering workflows, improving inter-agency coordination, and enhancing trade facilitation through technology. Although technology supports these improvements, the PCS is primarily about transforming operations, strengthening collaboration, and modernising Jamaica’s trade and logistics environment.
Opening Hours
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Monday – Friday
Telephone Numbers
+1 (876) 750-3280-6
+1 (876) 922-6986
+1 (876) 948-6981
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