Shipping policy
Shipping Policy — Store.HowJamaica.com
Last Updated: August 2026
Where We Ship
We proudly serve two distinct markets:
- Global Export: We ship authentic Jamaican groceries and specialty items directly to the United States and Canada via Jamaica Post EMS.
- Local Jamaican Delivery: We offer island-wide delivery across all 14 parishes in Jamaica (perfect for the diaspora purchasing groceries for family back home). All orders ship directly from our headquarters in Clarendon, Jamaica.
Shipping Rates & Estimated Delivery
International Shipping (USA & Canada)
Estimated Delivery: 3–7 business days (after processing).
| Order Weight | USA | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 kg | $25.00 USD | $25.00 USD |
| 1–2 kg | $37.50 USD | $37.50 USD |
| 2–3 kg | $50.00 USD | $50.00 USD |
| 3–5 kg | $75.00 USD | $75.00 USD |
| 5–10 kg | $105.00 USD | $105.00 USD |
WARNING
Free Shipping Threshold Note (Store Owner Action Required): Your previous policy stated "Free shipping on all orders over 150.00USD."Offeringfreeinternationalshippingforheavygroceries(e.g.,a150.00USD."Offeringfreeinternationalshippingforheavygroceries(e.g.,a150 order that weighs 10kg) will destroy your profit margins because EMS costs are astronomical for heavy weights.
Recommendation: Change this to apply ONLY to local Jamaican delivery, OR cap the weight: "Free shipping on orders over $150.00 USD (up to a maximum weight of 3kg)." I have removed the blanket free shipping clause below to protect you until you decide.
Local Delivery (Jamaica)
Estimated Delivery: 1–3 business days.
- Local delivery rates are calculated at checkout based on parish and weight.
- Free local delivery on all orders over $400.00 USD equivalent.
Note: Maximum parcel weight is 10 kg per box. Orders exceeding 10 kg will be split into multiple shipments and charged accordingly.
What We Ship
We specialize in shelf-stable, commercially packaged Jamaican grocery items.
| ✅ We Ship | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tinned Fish | Mackerel, sardines, tuna (in tomato sauce, brine, or oil) |
| Milk & Porridge | Lasco whole milk powder, cornmeal/oats porridge |
| Seasonings & Spices | Walkerswood jerk, Grace browning, Eaton's pepper sauce |
| Snacks & Biscuits | Cheese trix, bulla cake, festival mix, crackers |
| Drink Mixes | Lasco hot chocolate, peanut punch, malt drinks |
| Dry Staples | Rice, flour, cornmeal, sugar (commercially packaged) |
| Condiments | Guava jelly, pepper jelly, condensed milk |
What We Cannot Ship (Prohibited Items)
We reserve the right to cancel and refund any order containing prohibited items.
| ❌ Restricted / Prohibited | Reason |
|---|---|
| Fresh/Frozen Meat & Seafood | USDA/CFIA biosecurity restrictions |
| Fresh Produce (yams, fruits) | Agricultural import bans |
| Homemade/Repackaged Foods | Food safety & customs compliance |
| Raw/Unpasteurized Dairy | Health regulations |
| Alcohol or Tobacco | Licensing restrictions |
| Refrigeration-Required Items | Spoilage risk in transit |
Order Processing & Address Accuracy
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Order placed | Immediate confirmation email |
| Order packed | 1–2 business days |
| Shipped | Tracking email sent same day |
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST. Orders placed on weekends or Jamaican public holidays ship the next business day.
Address Accuracy Liability (IMPORTANT): The customer is strictly responsible for providing the correct shipping address. If a package is returned to us or lost due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided by the buyer, the buyer is responsible for all secondary shipping charges. Refunds will not be issued for packages delivered to the wrong address due to customer error.
Order Modifications/Cancellations: If you need to cancel or change an order (address correction, item swap), you must contact us at admin@howjamaica.com within 12 hours of placing the order. Once an order has been packed and handed over to the courier, it cannot be modified or canceled.
Customs, Duties & Taxes (International Orders)
All international shipments include a commercial invoice and customs declaration (PS Form 2976-A). We declare exact item values and descriptions. We do not undervalue shipments or illegally mark purchases as "gifts."
- USA: Most food items valued under $800 USD enter duty-free for personal use.
- Canada: GST/HST and possible customs duties may apply.
- Buyer Liability: The buyer is solely responsible for all import taxes, duties, and customs clearance fees imposed by the destination country.
Lost, Damaged, or Seized Shipments
- Lost in Transit: If a shipment is not delivered within 21 days of dispatch, contact us. We will initiate a formal trace with Jamaica Post and offer a replacement or refund upon confirmation of loss.
- Damaged Items: Report damaged goods within 48 hours of delivery. You must provide clear photos of the damaged item and the exterior packaging. We will replace damaged items or issue a store credit.
- Customs Seizures: We are not liable for items seized, delayed, or destroyed by customs due to buyer-country import restrictions. If the items are returned to us intact by customs, we may offer a partial refund (item cost only, minus all shipping and return fees) at our absolute discretion. If customs destroys the package, no refund will be issued.
Returns & Refunds
Due to strict health and safety regulations regarding food products and the complexities of international shipping:
- No returns are accepted on opened, unsealed, or consumed items.
- Unopened, undamaged non-perishable items may be returned within 14 days of delivery. The buyer is 100% responsible for all return shipping costs.
- Approved refunds are processed within 5–9 business days back to the original payment method.
Contact Us
Email: admin@howjamaica.com WhatsApp: 207-613-5240 Business Address: HowJamaica Store, Clarendon, Jamaica