The Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS), a department of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, will launch eight online services through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), further advancing the Government’s efforts to modernise public services and improve the ease of doing business.

Effective September 1, 2026, applicants will be able to submit applications electronically, upload supporting documents, make payments online and track the progress of their applications through a single digital platform. The new services will facilitate applications for Charity Registration Exemption, Benevolent Society Registration Licence, Friendly Society Registration Licence,

Specially Authorised Society Registration Licence, Co-operative Society Registration Licence, Industrial and Provident Society Registration Licence, Agricultural Loan Society Registration Licence and Approved Organisation Registration Licence through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT).

Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, said the move reflects the Government’s commitment to making public services more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of Jamaicans.

“This initiative is about making government services simpler, faster and more convenient for the people and organisations that rely on them. People should not have to spend unnecessary time navigating paper-based processes or making multiple visits to government offices to access services. By bringing these DCFS services onto JSWIFT, we are making it easier for citizens and organisations to apply, pay, track their applications and receive updates online. This is a practical step towards faster service delivery and a more business-friendly Jamaica,” said Minister Hill.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve customer experience by allowing applicants to complete transactions at their convenience, whether from home, the office or any location with internet access. It will also enhance transparency by giving users greater visibility into where their applications are in the review process and when action is required, making it easier for charities, co-operatives, friendly societies and other organisations to access key regulatory services.

The new electronic workflow is designed to improve efficiency through greater automation and closer coordination among government entities. A key feature of the enhanced process is the integration of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) into the application workflow, allowing applications requiring review or approval from TAJ to be routed electronically through JSWIFT, helping to reduce processing and response times.

“For many applicants, this means less time spent navigating administrative processes and more visibility into the status of their applications. It also reflects the DCFS’s commitment to modernising how we deliver services to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders,” said Errol Gallimore, Registrar, Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS).

Persons wishing to access the new services are encouraged to create a JSWIFT account ahead of the September 1 launch date through the JSWIFT platform at https://www.jswift.gov.jm/. When registering, applicants must provide the relevant individual or company details, including TRN, ID or registration information as applicable.