Importing a used car to Guyana
Cars 8 years or older are banned. Below that, tax depends on whether the car is under or over 4 years old.
The 8-year ban
Motor vehicles 8 years and older may not be imported. The age is counted from the manufacture date to the date of importation. The rule took effect on 1 May 2016, heavy-duty vehicles are excluded, and offending vehicles can be forfeited and their importers penalised (Department of Public Information notice).
The latest official statement we found is from 2016, so confirm the rule still stands before you buy.
Duties and taxes
For tax, a car is “4 years old” when it is 48 months old, or 4 calendar years before 1 January of the year it is imported (Guyana Revenue Authority). That age decides which column applies:
| Charge | 4 years and older | Under 4 years |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty | 0% | 35% up to 1,500cc, 45% above |
| VAT | 0% | 0% up to 1,500cc, 14% above |
| Excise | Flat G$800,000 for petrol cars up to 1,500cc. Larger engines use a formula on the CIF value, rising to 100% over 3,000cc | 0% to 140%, by engine size |
Electric cars pay no duty, excise or VAT. Diesel cars follow a similar excise schedule to petrol.
From 16 February 2026, new VAT exemptions cover double-cab pickups up to 2,500cc, new cars under 4 years up to 1,500cc, and hybrids up to 2,000cc. Double-cab pickups pay a flat excise of G$2,000,000 up to 2,000cc and G$3,000,000 up to 2,500cc.
Documents and clearance
A licensed customs house broker files your declaration through ASYCUDA World. Have these ready:
- Bill of lading
- Invoice
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Tax exemption letter or cancellation of registration, where they apply
A GRA notice dated 16 March 2026 says declarations must use the correct HS codes. Mismatched declarations are treated as false.
Confirm before you ship
- The 8-year ban dates from 2016, and the 2026 tax pages do not repeat it.
- The GRA motor vehicle page mixes currencies and formulas in places. Check any figure with the GRA calculator before you quote a customer.
- Rates change with each budget. Confirm every figure with the Guyana Revenue Authority before you pay.
Sources
- Guyana Revenue Authority: motor vehiclesgra.gov.gy, official
- Department of Public Information: vehicles older than eight years restricteddpi.gov.gy, official