30-Day Tax Waiver for Hurricane Melissa Relief
The Government of Jamaica has approved a 30-day tax waiver on disaster relief items to support families affected by Hurricane Melissa. Eligible items can be donated or purchased without applicable taxes during this period.
Program Details
Authority: Government of Jamaica
Duration: 30 days
Beneficiary: General Public
Purpose: Hurricane Melissa Recovery
Valid From: November 2025
Total Eligible Items: 43
⚠️Items Requiring Pre-Approval or Permit
The following items may require pre-approval or a permit before qualifying for the tax waiver:
- Repellent - Pre-approval/Permit may be required
- Water Purification Kit - Pre-approval/Permit may be required
🧼Hygiene & Cleaning
6 items
Tissues
Wipes
Cleaning Products
Toiletries
Sanitisers / Wipes
Mops / Brooms
👕Clothing & Textiles
6 items
Diapers
Clothing
Rain Gear / Coats
Water Boots
Gloves
Disposable Masks
🛏️Bedding & Linens
3 items
Mattress
Bed Linens / Bed Pads / Bath Linens
Sleeping Bags
⚕️Medical & First Aid
3 items
Over-the-Counter Drugs
First Aid Kits / Hygiene Kits
Repellent
PermitPre-approval/Permit may be required
🔨Construction Materials
4 items
Ply Boards
Nails
Zinc
Tarpaulins
⛺Shelter & Camping
3 items
Tents
Igloos
Bed Cots
💡Lighting & Power
6 items
Generators Not Exceeding 5000 Watts (Household Use Only)
Flash Lights
Disposal Batteries
Mobile Battery Packs
Lantern / Lamps
Solar Flood Lights
📚School Supplies
1 item
Basic School Supplies
🥫Food & Water
5 items
Bottled Water
Non Perishable Food Items
Kitchen Utensils (including non-plastic disposables, pots, and pans)
Portable Stoves / Butane Burners
Fuel Containers
🛠️Tools & Equipment
3 items
Basic Hand Tools (Drills, Shovels, Axes, Hammers, and Machetes)
Garbage Bags
Buckets / Pans (Water Storage Containers)
🦺Safety & Protection
1 item
Water Purification Kit
PermitPre-approval/Permit may be required
🚿Sanitation
1 item
Temporary Sanitation System
📻Electronics
1 item
Battery Operated Radios
How to Benefit from the Tax Waiver
- For Donations: If you're donating any of the items listed above for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, you may be eligible for tax waiver on import or purchase taxes. Contact your local customs office or tax authority for specific procedures.
- For Personal Use: General public members purchasing these items for personal use during the recovery period may qualify for the tax waiver. Keep receipts and documentation for verification.
- Documentation: Maintain proper documentation of all purchases, including:
- Original receipts and invoices
- Import documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of intended use for hurricane relief
- Permits Required: For items marked as requiring permits (Repellent, Water Purification Kit), obtain necessary pre-approvals before purchase or import to ensure eligibility.
Support Hurricane Melissa Relief
While this tax waiver program helps with purchasing relief items, you can also support families affected by Hurricane Melissa through monetary donations to the Melissa Relief Fund.
100% of your donation goes directly to purchasing supplies and providing aid to affected families across all 14 parishes of Jamaica.
Questions About the Tax Waiver?
For specific questions about tax waiver eligibility, required documentation, or permit applications, please contact the relevant Jamaican government authorities:
- Jamaica Customs Agency
- Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ)
- Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)
For questions about the Melissa Relief Fund or how to donate relief items, contact us at donate@melissarelieffund.com
Disclaimer: This list is provided for informational purposes based on publicly available information about the 30-day tax waiver program for Hurricane Melissa relief. Tax waiver eligibility, requirements, and procedures are subject to verification by relevant Jamaican government authorities. The Melissa Relief Fund is not responsible for changes to government programs or individual eligibility determinations.
The Melissa Relief Fund is a grassroots relief initiative and is not affiliated with the Government of Jamaica. For official information about the tax waiver program, please consult with the appropriate government agencies.