About NCRA

1. What is the NCRA and what does it do?

The National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) is responsible for safeguarding consumer health and safety by monitoring and inspecting imported and locally manufactured products. We also verify weighing and measuring devices used in trade to ensure compliance with local regulations and        compulsory Jamaican standards.​

2.   Why is the NCRA important to me?

The NCRA helps prevent the sale of faulty or unsafe products, ensures businesses are accurate when measuring goods, and works with other agencies to protect public health and safety.​

3.  Who governs the NCRA?

The NCRA operates under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), with oversight from a Board of Directors and is governed by the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority Act (2023).​

 4.  How is the NCRA different from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ)?

The NCRA inspects, monitors and enforces compliance with Jamaican standards, while the BSJ is responsible for developing and maintaining those standards.​

5.  Where does the NCRA operate?

Our inspection and monitoring activities are conducted island-wide in processing establishments, the domestic marketplace, ports of entry, and importers' premises.​

Consumer Protection

1. What types of products does the NCRA inspect?

The NCRA inspects food items, electrical appliances, building materials, consumer goods, weighing and measuring devices, LPG cooking gas, and petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.​

2. What types of weighing and measuring devices does the NCRA regulate?

The NCRA regulates scales, fuel dispensers, flow meters, and any other devices used for trade measurement.​

3. How does the NCRA ensure the quality of petroleum products sold in Jamaica?

The NCRA monitors petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel, to ensure they meet national quality standards. Inspections are conducted at fuel stations, distribution points, and import facilities.​

4. Are imported petroleum products tested before they enter the Jamaican market?

Yes, all imported petroleum products are subject to testing and quality verification before they can be distributed in the market.​

5. Does the NCRA regulate other petroleum-based products like cooking gas?

Yes, the NCRA also monitors the amount of LPG (cooking gas) in cylinders.​

Business Regulation

1. Does my business need to register with the NCRA?

Businesses involved in food processing, manufacture of blocks, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and importers of commodities with a Compulsory Standard Specification need to be registered with the NCRA. Contact us for guidance.​

 2. How do I register a processing establishment with the NCRA?      

     To register a processing establishment:​

• Complete the relevant application form(s).​
• Submit the forms along with the required fee.​
• An inspector will visit your establishment to assess compliance with the relevant standards.​
• Once requirements are met, a Certificate of Registration valid for one year will be issued.

 3. How often should I register with the NCRA?

     Registration is annual. Two months prior to the expiration of your certificate, contact the NCRA to start the re-registration process.​

 4. Can I sell my product while waiting for NCRA approval (registration)?

     No, products under inspection must receive official NCRA clearance (issued with a Certificate of Registration) before they can be legally sold or distributed in the market.​

5. What happens if my product fails an NCRA inspection?

• If a product fails inspection and the product can be reworked or corrected, then the NCRA can allow time to address it. The product will be removed from sale until the issue is addressed. 

• If the product can not be reworked or corrected, further action will be taken

 6. How often does the NCRA conduct inspections at business premises?

      The frequency of inspections depends on the nature of the business and the risk category associated with the establishment and product, or in response to consumer complaints.​

 7. Why are my goods being detained by the NCRA?

         Goods may be detained for several reasons, including:​

• Breach of relevant product or labelling standards.​
• Undergoing investigation.​
• Pending testing against product standards for health and safety reasons.​

  8. Why does the NCRA take samples of my products?

       Products are sampled and sent to laboratories for testing to determine whether they are safe to be sold by meeting specific standard requirements. Label assessments are also carried out to ensure they have all the information on the package to help consumers make smart choices when buying products.​

  9. What are the penalties for non-compliance?

       Penalties include warnings, withdrawal from sale, detention of products, seizure, destruction, condemnation, or re-exportation of non-compliant goods. Other violations may be addressed by the courts.​

 10. How do I know if an establishment is registered by the NCRA?

       Look for the NCRA Certificate of Registration of an Establishment, check our website for registered entities and public notices, or contact us to verify.

​Public Safety & Standards

     1. How does the NCRA ensure food safety?

        NCRA monitors food production, packaging, labelling, and submits products for testing and analysis in labs for safety.

    2. What are the rules for product labelling?

        Labels must be in English and show:

• Product name
• Batch code
• Expiry or best-before date
• Ingredients
• Country of origin
• Storage/safety instructions, where required

     3. How do I know if a business is compliant?

        Check our website, ask to see their NCRA Certificate of Registration, or contact us to confirm.

    4. How do I know if a scale or pump is accurate?

        Look for an amber-orange sticker with the word “PASS” — this means it’s verified by NCRA.

    5. How often should scales and pumps be tested?

        Every six (6) months to maintain accuracy and meet regulations.

Communication & Transparency

      1. Where can I find NCRA updates?

          Visit our website at www.ncra.org.jm and follow us on social media. We also share updates through public notices, sensitization sessions and promotional events.