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Import Cars from the UK to Jamaica

Your expert partner for sourcing and shipping cars and 4x4s directly to Kingston. We provide a seamless, all-inclusive service from start to finish.

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK directly to Jamaica. Whether you need a brand-new luxury car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK Car Export Service for Jamaica – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. If you have a specific model in mind or need recommendations, our specialists find cars matching your exact specifications. All prestige brands are available, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Tesla, Audi, Toyota, and more.

We source from multiple networks to find you the best value, whether you're looking for new cars, used vehicles, pickup trucks, vans, motorhomes, or light commercial vehicles.

VAT Reclaim Service

Save 20% with our VAT reclaim service. We source VAT-qualifying cars and reclaim VAT as part of our export service. This is the single biggest saving you can make when importing a UK car to Jamaica.

If you've already found a car you love with a non-export company, no problem. We're happy to step in, manage the purchase, and export it. We regularly buy from UK car dealers, ex-fleet companies, direct from manufacturers, motor traders, and car auctions.

Electric Vehicle Import Incentive

Great news for electric car buyers! All electric cars imported to Jamaica now qualify for just 10% import duty, a reduction of 20% from the standard 30% duty on petrol and diesel engines. This incentive is effective for the first 1,000 electric cars entering Jamaica each year.

Contact us to find out how much you could save by importing an electric car.

Vehicle Inspection & Preparation

  • Mileage verification and HPI background checks
  • Full mechanical inspection
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)
  • Customisation, tuning, and modifications available
  • Accessories and upgrades (alloys, leather, sound systems, engine tuning)

Car Shipping to Jamaica

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed UK to Jamaica car shipping service, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Jamaica import requirements. Our service includes complete shipping booking management, secure inland transport to the UK departure port, and reliable shipping to Kingston.

Shipping times from the UK to Kingston:

  • RoRo shipping: 20-35 days (varies depending on UK departure port)
  • Container shipping: 17 days (fastest option)

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Jamaica to your address or clearing agent.

UK to Jamaica Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Jamaica Vehicle Import Requirements

Importing a vehicle to Jamaica involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, applying for an import licence, and completing pre-shipment inspections. Jamaica has strict regulations designed to ensure only roadworthy vehicles are imported and to manage the volume of vehicle imports.

Key Requirements:

  1. Import licence: Must be obtained from Trade Board Ltd before shipping
  2. Pre-shipment inspection: Required for all used vehicles
  3. Age restrictions: Vary by vehicle type
  4. Documentation: Comprehensive paperwork is required for customs clearance

Jamaica Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Who Can Import Vehicles:

Individuals:

  • Must be one of the following:
    • Jamaican Resident
    • Child of Jamaican Parentage
    • Spouse of a Jamaican
    • Returning Resident
    • Contract Officer
    • Holder of a Work Permit
  • Import limit: Combination of 2 motor vehicles every 3 years (excluding 2 motor cars—meaning up to 2 cars specifically)

Non-Dealer Companies:

  • Import limit: Up to 3 motor vehicles every 3 years

Certified Motor Vehicle Dealers:

  • Import limit: Any category and quantity for resale

Vehicle Age Restrictions

Age restrictions are strictly enforced and vary by vehicle type:

Cars (Sedans, Station Wagons, SUVs):

  • Standard: Not exceeding 6 years old
  • Returning Residents: Not exceeding 10 years old
  • All must: Have seating capacity not exceeding 5-8 persons (depending on type)

Light Commercial Vehicles:

  • Small pickup trucks (≤1,500 kg unladen weight): 6 years old maximum

Medium pickup trucks & small trucks (1,501-3,000 kg unladen weight): 10 years old maximum

Panel vans & window vans: 10 years old maximum

Buses (seating capacity 6-8 persons): 6 years old maximum

Buses (seating capacity 9-14 persons): 10 years old maximum

Motorcycles & ATVs: Not exceeding 5 years old

Returning Residents:

  • May import vehicles up to 10 years old (applies to standard cars and light commercial vehicles)

Documents Required for Jamaica Car Import

Essential Import Documents:

  • V5 Logbook (UK vehicle registration document)
  • Certificate of Title or Export Certificate
  • Commercial Invoice (from supplier)
  • Bill of Lading (from shipping agent)
  • Proof of Insurance
  • MOT Certificate (UK roadworthiness certificate)
  • Proof of identity (2 types):
    • Passport (bio-data page)
    • Driver's Licence (both sides)
    • National Identification Card (both sides)
  • HPI Certificate (vehicle history report)
  • Odometer inspection statement

For Customs Clearance & Licensing:

  • Import License: Issued by Trade Board Ltd (must be obtained BEFORE shipping)
  • Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Certificate: Required for all used vehicles
  • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC): Obtained from Tax Administration Jamaica
  • Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN): 9-digit unique identification from Revenue Board
  • Import Entry (C87): Primary document completed by licensed broker
  • Special Declaration: Prepared by licensed customs broker, signed by importer
  • Simplified Administrative Document (eSAD): Electronic customs document

Bill of Sight:

  • Contains vehicle details, prepared and signed by the broker, and certified by customs

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Requirement

Mandatory for Used Vehicles:

All used vehicles being imported to Jamaica from the UK, Singapore, or Japan must undergo a pre-shipment inspection and receive a Pre-Inspection Certificate before export. The certificate confirms vehicle meets Jamaica's roadworthiness standards

Important: Damaged or salvaged vehicles are PROHIBITED from importation. The vehicle must be in roadworthy condition and pass inspection.

Import Licence Application Process in Jamaica

The vehicle import licence application process in Jamaica begins with confirming that you meet the country’s importer eligibility requirements and that your vehicle complies with the applicable age restrictions. After purchasing the vehicle, used cars must undergo a pre-shipment inspection before export.

You must then submit an import permit application electronically through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade platform, attaching the required ownership, identification, tax and inspection documents, and paying the relevant processing fees. Applications are typically processed within a few working days, and the approved permit must be obtained before the vehicle arrives in Jamaica. Once the vehicle reaches Kingston port, the permit is presented to customs to complete the clearance process with the Jamaica Customs Agency.

Jamaica Car Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty Rates:

Standard import duty rates vary by vehicle engine size and type:

  • Petrol/Diesel vehicles (standard rate): 30%
  • Electric vehicles: 10% (reduced rate for first 1,000 vehicles per year)
  • Duty is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

Stamp Duty & Other Charges:

Additional charges apply, including:

  • Stamp duty on vehicle title
  • Customs processing fees
  • Port handling charges
  • Broker fees (if using customs broker)

Customs Broker Requirement

Licensed Customs Broker:

Jamaica requires that certain customs documents be completed by a licensed customs broker:

  • Import Entry (C87)
  • Simplified Administrative Document (eSAD)
  • Special Declaration

Broker Responsibilities:

  • Complete and submit customs documentation
  • Calculate and arrange duty payment
  • Coordinate with Jamaica Customs Agency
  • Facilitate vehicle release and collection

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Jamaica car import regulations, procedures, and licensing, consult these official sources:

Jamaica Government Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK to Jamaica?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality new and used vehicles directly from the UK to Jamaica via Kingston. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll navigate Jamaica's import regulations so you don't have to.