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Importing a used car to Jamaica

Cars and SUVs up to 6 years old, a Trade Board licence before you ship, and a licensed customs broker at the port.

Last checked 30 October 2026Official sources, news reports marked

Age and vehicle rules

Jamaica allows cars and SUVs up to 6 years old. The Trade Board raised the limit from 5 years in 2019 (Jamaica Gleaner, news report), and the Customs FAQ also gives 6 years. Returning residents can bring in cars up to 10 years old. Damaged or salvaged vehicles are prohibited.

How many vehicles you can import depends on who you are:

  • Individuals: one car and one light commercial vehicle every 3 years, with a 12-month restriction on selling it.
  • Companies: up to 3 vehicles every 3 years, with a taxpayer registration number (TRN) and a Tax Compliance Certificate.
  • More than 3 vehicles: buy from a certified dealer.

Before you ship

Two steps come before the car leaves Japan.

  1. Register on JSWIFT and get the Trade Board import licence.
  2. Book a pre-shipment inspection (PSI) with Auto Terminal Japan. The 2014 import policy made PSI mandatory for dealers and companies and optional for individuals. From 1 June 2026, a used car that arrives without a PSI certificate pays a US$500 verification fee (Jamaica Observer, news report).

The same report says the PSI certificate fee rose from US$175 to US$187 and the sanitisation fee from US$70 to US$75.

Documents and clearance

Only a licensed customs broker can clear the car through Jamaica Customs. Have these ready for the broker (Customs guide):

  • Trade Board import licence
  • Vehicle title or export certificate
  • Bill of lading
  • Supplier invoice
  • Tax Compliance Certificate
  • Special Declaration (E-SAD), which the broker prepares

Duties and taxes

Import duty, Special Consumption Tax (SCT) and General Consumption Tax (GCT, 15%) compound into one rate. These are the rates on the Customs 2025 sheet for individuals:

VehicleCombined rate
Petrol car, up to 1,000cc52%
Petrol car, 1,000 to 2,000cc66%
Diesel car, up to 1,000cc39%
Diesel car, 1,000 to 2,000cc52%
Hybrid car39%

A customs administrative fee of J$66,125 applies to used vehicles. From 1 May 2026 the SCT concession covers only private motor cars and private trucks (Customs advisory).

Confirm before you ship

  • We did not review rates for engines above 2,000cc or the dealer rate sheet (April 2020).
  • The 2014 import policy still says 5 years for cars. The 6-year limit comes from the Customs FAQ and a 2019 news report.
  • Rates change with each budget. Call Jamaica Customs on 876 922 5140 to 8, or the Trade Board on 967-0507 or 967-0674, before you pay.

Sources