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Import Cars from the UK and Japan to Saint Kitts & Nevis

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

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Whether you need a prestige car or a reliable used vehicle, we handle every step of the import process, from sourcing and inspection to shipping and documentation.

Our UK & Japan Car Export Service for Saint Kitts and Nevis – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across UK and Japanese 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 Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and more.

VAT Reclaim Service (UK Cars)

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 Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Whether you've found a car yourself or we've sourced one for you, we're committed to saving you the UK VAT and keeping the process simple.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

  • Mileage verification and HPI background checks
  • Purchasing, inspections, and collection by our team
  • Customising, tuning, and modifications available
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)

Car Shipping to Saint Kitts and Nevis

At UK Roadrunner, we provide fully managed UK & Japan to Saint Kitts and Nevis car shipping service via Port Basseterre, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with import requirements.

Shipping Service Includes:

  • Bespoke sourcing, purchase, inspection, and collection
  • Storage and preparation
  • Transport to UK departure port
  • High-level marine insurance during shipping
  • All documentation coordination
  • DHL of documents and loose items

RoRo and Container Shipping from UK:

  • Transit time: 5-7 weeks from departure
  • Port of Basseterre destination
  • Shipping availability varies by vessel schedule

Car Documentation & Clearance

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

UK & Japan to Saint Kitts and Nevis Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Saint Kitts and Nevis permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries. There are no age restrictions on vehicles, but returning nationals receive special concession benefits. All vehicles must be right-hand drive.

Key Requirements:

  1. Right-hand drive: Mandatory for all vehicles
  2. No age restrictions: Vehicles of any age can be imported
  3. No pre-export inspection: Not required
  4. Import licence: Required for customs clearance
  5. Returning national concessions: Available for eligible citizens
  6. 3-year ownership restriction: For concession vehicles
  7. Environmental levy: Based on vehicle age

Saint Kitts and Nevis Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Saint Kitts and Nevis permits the importation of both new and used vehicles from the UK, Japan, and other countries with minimal restrictions.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

  • No age limit: Vehicles of any age can be imported
  • Unlike many countries: No maximum age restriction enforced
  • Classic and vintage vehicles: Welcome for import
  • Pre-shipment inspection: Not required for any vehicle

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

  • All vehicles: Must have steering wheel on right side
  • Right-hand drive mandatory: No exceptions for left-hand drive
  • Verification: RHD status checked during customs evaluation

Returning National Concessions

Eligibility Criteria:

Returning nationals receive special duty concession benefits:

Residency Requirements:

  • Citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Must have lived abroad for 10 years or more
  • Returning to the nation permanently
  • During first 3 years of return, must not be abroad for continuous period exceeding 3 months

Student Exception:

  • Returning students living abroad less than 10 years
  • Must provide college/university documentation
  • Concession given at discretion of Comptroller of Customs

Vehicle Ownership Requirements:

  • Must have owned vehicle for at least 12 months prior to importation
  • Original title/registration from country of origin required
  • Proof of ownership documentation essential

Personal Requirements:

  • The applicant must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must hold a valid driver's licence from country of origin

Concession Limitations:

  • One vehicle per family: Only one duty-free vehicle allowed
  • Cannot be transferred: Ownership/control cannot be transferred within 3 years
  • Violation consequences: If transferred within 3 years, subject to full duty and tax payment
  • Sale restriction: Cannot sell vehicle within 3 years of concession grant

Customs Clearance Timeline:

  • Vehicle must be cleared from Customs within 6 months of arrival
  • Or within 6 months of clearing personal and household items

Documents Required for Saint Kitts and Nevis Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (UK Cars):

  • Copy of V5 Logbook
  • Copy of valid MOT certificate
  • Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
  • Proof of ownership

For Japan Imported Vehicles:

  • Commercial/purchase invoice
  • Certificate of title or export certificate
  • Bill of Lading
  • Original export certificate

For Customs Clearance (From Country of Origin):

  • Invoice
  • Certificate of title or salvage certificate (indicates if vehicle has been wrecked)
  • Bill of Lading

For Customs Clearance (Prepared Locally):

  • Invoice
  • Bill of Lading
  • Customs declaration
  • Bill of sale
  • Freight bill
  • Certificate of ownership
  • Telegraphic transfer (proof money sent from Saint Kitts)

For Returning Nationals (Additional):

  • Proof of 10+ years residence abroad
  • Proof of permanent return to nation
  • Copy of title from country of origin
  • Proof of 12+ months vehicle ownership
  • Valid driver's license copy
  • Proof of age (18+)
  • Proof of residency in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Import Duties & Taxes For St Kitts and Nevis

For General Importers (Non-Returning Nationals):

Import Duty: 45% of vehicle value Value Added Tax (VAT): 17% on adjusted value Customs Service Charge: 12% on vehicle value

Vehicle Environmental Levy (VEL): Based on vehicle age from date of manufacture

For Returning Nationals (Duty-Free Concession):

Concession Benefits:

  • Import duty exempt: 45% duty waived
  • VAT exempt: 17% VAT waived
  • Customs service charge: 12% still applies

Environmental Levy Still Payable: Based on vehicle age from date of manufacture

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Saint Kitts and Nevis begins with preparing and submitting export documents from the country of origin, including the invoice and certificate of title, followed by lodging the required local customs documentation such as the Bill of Lading, customs declaration, freight bill, and proof of payment. Once the shipping agent confirms and stamps the documents, the entry is lodged with the Customs Department for registration and processing.

Customs officials then conduct a scheduled vehicle evaluation to verify its condition, specifications, value, and origin. If satisfactory, the invoice is approved; otherwise, a Bill of Sight may be issued. After payment of the applicable environmental levy and completion of customs vetting procedures, the Port Officer finalises documentation, issues a gate pass, and authorises release of the vehicle from the port.

Vehicle Registration

Registration Requirements:

  • Once customs clearance is complete, the vehicle must be registered locally.

Registration Process:

  1. Customs release: Obtain customs release documentation
  2. Visit registration authority: Present to vehicle registration office
  3. Complete registration: Register vehicle officially
  4. Obtain plates & license: Receive Saint Kitts and Nevis registration

Registration Authority Contact:

  • St Kitts Vehicle Registration and Licencing Department

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your Saint Kitts and Nevis Car Import

Expert Returning National Support:

We understand returning national concession requirements and help you maximise savings. We verify your eligibility and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Exceptional Quality Vehicles:

All vehicles thoroughly inspected and assessed. We verify RHD status, ownership documentation, and vehicle condition before purchase.

VAT-Free Savings (20% on UK cars):

We specialise in sourcing VAT-qualifying cars and pass the full 20% VAT saving to you. We pay your VAT so you don't have to.

Complete Service Management:

We handle sourcing, compliance verification, shipping, and documentation coordination. We provide clearing agent recommendations in Saint Kitts.

Significant Cost Savings for Returning Nationals:

Returning nationals save 71% on import costs compared to standard importers (EC$20,880 savings on EC$30,000 vehicle). We help you maximise these savings.

Trusted & Proven:

With thousands of satisfied customers worldwide and extensive experience in Caribbean imports, you can trust us to deliver exceptional service.

Useful Resources

For the most up-to-date information on Saint Kitts and Nevis car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Saint Kitts and Nevis Government Agencies:

Returning National Information:

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Saint Kitts & Nevis?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Saint Kitts and Nevis via Port Basseterre. Contact UK Roadrunner today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team will answer your questions about vehicle sourcing from the UK and Japan and Saint Kitts and Nevis import regulations and requirements.

Get your free quote today and start your car import journey with UK Roadrunner. We'll assess your returning national eligibility and provide transparent costing showing your significant potential savings.