An individual or a company who intends to import a motor vehicle must first apply to the Trade Board for an Import Licence and receive same before making arrangements for the shipping of the vehicle to Jamaica.

Trucks exceeding 3 tons, tractor heads and trailers do not require an Import Licence. Further information regarding Import Licences may be obtained from the Trade Board Limited, 107 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 or 30 Market Street Montego Bay, St. James.

Having obtained the Import Licence, the individual or the company may then make arrangements for the shipping of the vehicle to Jamaica.

The new age limits of motor vehicles effective June 1, 2003 are as follows:

• Motor Cars - Three (3) years
• Vans/Light Trucks - Four (4) years
• Returning Residents - Five (5) years

When the vehicle is imported into Jamaica, the importer must seek the services of a licensed customs broker to clear the vehicle through Customs. The broker will advise the importer of the information and documents required, the procedure to be followed, the port and wharf charges, the amount of duties to be paid to the Customs and the fee to be paid to the broker for their services.

After the documents have been processed and the duties, charges and fees paid, the broker may then proceed to clear the vehicle from the wharf/airport, etc.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO IMPORT A MOTOR VEHICLE

1. Import Licence Issued by the Trade Board Limited authorizing the importation of the motor vehicle.
(Telephone: (876)969-0883 )

2. Title- A document issued to the owner of the vehicle by the Government of the country where the vehicle was purchased.

3. Bill of Lading Obtained from the shipping agent with information about the particulars of the vehicle, the date it landed in the island and the port of entry.

4. Invoice- For a new motor vehicle (that is, a vehicle under 3,000 miles) an invoice from the supplier is required.

5. Bill of Sight- This is a document on which details of the motor vehicle being imported are recorded. It is prepared and signed by the owner or broker and certified by the Customs. This is required for a new vehicle if the vehicle is not properly described on the invoice and for all used vehicles.

6. Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) & Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) obtained from the Tax Administration Services Department.

7. Import Entry C78 - This is the primary import document on which all particulars of the motor vehicle, the name of the importer, shipping information and the duties paid are recorded. It is completed by the broker and submitted to Customs. Only a licensed customs broker should complete this form.

MOTOR VEHICLE RATES EFFECTIVE May 1, 2003. MOTOR CARS, STATION WAGON, ESTATE CARS, WAGONS AND LIMOUSINES FOR THE CARRAIGE OFTOURISTS BY CONTRACT CARRAIGE LICENCE HOLDERS.