Gov’t backtracks on e-purchases application requirement

AMMAN — The Cabinet on Wednesday backtracked on a decision requiring online shoppers to submit an application through the Jordan Customs Department’s (JCD) e-platform before proceeding with their purchases, designating the condition as a responsibility of express shipping companies instead.

Earlier this month, the Cabinet made a decision under which online shoppers would have to visit www.customs.gov.jo to fill in the necessary data, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Under the decision, online shoppers would have also had to use their name to authorise the entry of the purchased products for personal use, paying JD5 for each order up to JD50 and JD10 for each order between JD50 and JD100, without exceeding the annual cap. 

The Cabinet’s earlier decision also slashed the annual cap on custom-exempt online-bought clothes, shoes, foodstuffs and children's toys from JD2,400 to JD500. 

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Muthana Gharaibeh explained that Wednesday’s decision was reached during a meeting that brought him together with Finance Minister Ezzeddine Kanakrieh, JCD Director General Abdelmajid Rahamneh in addition to representatives from express shipping companies and Innovative Jordan company. 

The government was receptive to the “constructive suggestions” provided by Innovative Jordan and shipping company representatives, Gharaibeh said, in light of its endorsement of recent measures to regulate online shopping. 

The meeting resulted in an agreement, under which express shipping companies will cooperate directly with the JCD. 

The accord will also organise the process of shipping online-bought parcels, according to Petra.