Import Japanese Cars to Jamaica

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

RHD. 6-year car cap (10 years returning resident). Licence first, then ship to Kingston....

Market access

Age-capped

Last verified: August 2026

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Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

Cars max 6 years (returning residents 10 years)

Shipping Time

10-14 weeks

Year Restrictions

Cars max 6 years (returning residents 10 years)

Jamaica is RHD. Jamaica Customs / Trade Board (effective 6 Nov 2019): motor cars (sedan ≤5 seats, wagon/SUV ≤8 seats) maximum 6 years at importation. Motorcycles 5 years. Returning residents may import up to 10 years (vehicle in their possession at least 6 months) with a Trade Board licence before arrival. Light commercials have higher age caps (pickups 10 years, larger buses/trucks more).

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Kingston

Alternative Ports:

Kingston
Montego Bay

Kingston is the Japan used-car port. Trade Board import licence is required before the vehicle arrives.

Shipping Duration:

10-14 weeks

Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines

Preferred Shipping Lines:

NYK
MOL
Hoegh Autoliners

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

Customs examination + Island Traffic Authority fitness after clearance

Last verified & official sources

Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.

Jamaica Customs Agency

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

JCA Customs duty on CIF (schedule — confirm current)

VAT

GCT on importation (confirm Jamaica Customs)

Other Taxes

Special Consumption Tax / environmental levy as applicable. No duty exemption merely for returning-resident status — only the extra age concession.

Treat stacked percentages as a planning range only. Use the official calculator or procedures page or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

Required Documentation

Required Documents:

Trade Board import licence
Export Certificate
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Passport
Taxpayer registration

Documents for Company Importers:

Import License Required: Companies must obtain an import license before importing vehicles.

Trade Board Limited motor-vehicle import licence before arrival.

Important Notes

Official: https://jca.gov.jm/business/motor-vehicle-processing/motor-vehicle-age-limit/ and https://jca.gov.jm/faq/what-age-motor-car-can-be-imported/ ; Trade Board MV_General.

Helpful Tips

1) Get the Trade Board licence before the vessel sails. 2) Cars 7 years old will not clear on the general rule. 3) Returning residents still pay duty.