Import Cars from the UK & Japan to Saint Vincent & Grenadines

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from the UK and Japan directly to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 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 Vincent and the Grenadines – 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, McLaren, Tesla, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, Nissan, Ford, Jeep, 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 Vincent and the Grenadines.

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 Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Shipping from the UK to Kingstown:

• Transit time: Approximately 23 days from UK collection to Kingstown arrival
• RoRo shipping available (31-41 days from Japan)
• Monthly vessel schedule
• High-level marine insurance throughout shipping

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

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items via DHL to support smooth customs clearance in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

UK & Japan to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines permits vehicle imports from the UK, Japan, and other countries with no age restrictions. Returning nationals and other special categories receive significant duty concessions. All vehicles must be right-hand drive (unless special Cabinet permission is granted for LHD).

Key Requirements:

1. Right-hand drive: Mandatory (LHD requires Cabinet permission)
2. No age restrictions: Vehicles of any age can be imported
3. No pre-export inspection: Not required
4. Licensed customs broker: Mandatory for customs clearance
5. ASYCUDA World system: Required for customs declarations
6. Returning national concessions: 75% duty waiver available
7. Duty structure: 35%-45% import duty + 35%-45% excise tax

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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
• Vintage and classic vehicles: Fully eligible for import
• Pre-shipment inspection: Not mandatory for any vehicle

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

• All vehicles: Must have steering wheel on right side
• Left-hand drive prohibition: Not permitted except with special permit
• Special permit requirement: Cabinet permission required for LHD vehicles
• Section 79(1): Customs Control and Management Act restricts LHD importation

Ozone-Depleting Substance Restriction:

• Vehicles requiring ozone-depleting substances for air conditioning units cannot be imported
• Modern vehicles with approved refrigerants: No restriction
• AC system verification required if doubt exists

No Pre-Export Inspection:

• Not mandatory before shipment
• Vehicles can be imported without prior roadworthiness inspection
• Technical inspection may be required for registration in Saint Vincent

Returning National Concessions

Returning National Definition:

• Citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by birth or descent
• Has lived outside country for 10 years or more
• Returning to settle permanently
• Must import vehicle within 1 year of return

Concession Benefits:

• 75% waiver of import duty, excise tax, and VAT
• Customs Service Charge: 4% of CIF still applies
• Vehicle surcharge: Applies if vehicle over 4 years old
• One vehicle per household: Limitation on concession

Special Conditions:

• The vehicle must be imported from private warehouse OR purchased on docks within 1 year of return
• Can be new or used vehicle
• Application made to Comptroller of Customs and Excise

Professional Farmer Concessions

Eligibility Criteria:

• Professional farmer with commercial farming activity
• Minimum 3 acres of land farmed
• Commercial farming for 3 consecutive years prior to concession
• Proof required: Certification from Permanent Secretary or Chief Agricultural Officer (Ministry of Agriculture)

Concession Benefits:

• 75% waiver of import duty, excise tax, and VAT
• Vehicle type: Pick-ups or light trucks (1.5 tons or less)
• Customs Service Charge: 4% of CIF still applies
• Vehicle surcharge: $4,000 if vehicle over 4 years old
• One vehicle per household: Limitation on concession

Documentation Requirements:

• Certification from Ministry of Agriculture confirming commercial farming status
• Proof of land ownership/lease (3+ acres)
• Evidence of farming activity for 3+ years

Senior Public Servant Concessions

Eligibility Criteria:

Permanent Appointments:

• Grade B1 or above in Civil Service
• Permanent appointment to qualifying grade

Acting Appointments:

• Acting in Grade B1 or above
• Continuous period of 2+ years

Contractual/Temporary Appointments:

• Grade B1 contractual/temporary position
• Continuous period of 5+ years

Statutory Corporation Managers:

• Manager of Statutory Corporation
• Benefits and pay scales in line with Grade B1(13) Civil Service

Concession Benefits:

• 75% waiver of import duty, excise tax, and VAT
• Vehicle specifications: Motor car or jeep of 3,000cc or less
• Customs Service Charge: 4% of CIF still applies
• Claiming frequency: One vehicle per 4-year period
• One vehicle per household: Limitation on concession

Special Conditions:

• Vehicle must be owned by officer and registered in officer's name
• Retiring civil servants: Can claim concession up to 1 month after receiving retirement benefits
• Application made to Director General of Finance and Planning

Documents Required for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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
• Insurance documentation

For Japan Vehicles:

• Commercial/purchase invoice
• Certificate of origin/export certificate
• Bill of Lading
• Insurance documentation
• Year of manufacture documentation

For Customs Clearance:

• Original invoice from suppliers with:
  • Condition of sale
  • Supplier's name
  • Buyer's name
  • Price paid or payable
  • Terms of delivery (CIF, FOB, C&F)
  • Full vehicle description (type, model, engine/VIN, colour, engine size, weight)
  • Year of manufacture
• Bill of Sight: Prepared for verification of information
• Bill of Lading: Original from shipper/carrier
• Insurance Certificate: If applicable
• ASYCUDA World bill of lading: Required for customs system
• Evidence of payment: Proof of funds transfer
• Export/Cancellation certificate: If applicable

For Returning Nationals (Additional):

• Proof of 10+ years residence abroad
• Proof of permanent return to Saint Vincent
• Proof of residency in Saint Vincent
• Valid identification
• Letter of application to Comptroller of Customs and Excise

For Professional Farmers (Additional):

• Certification from Permanent Secretary or Chief Agricultural Officer
• Proof of 3+ acres of land
• Evidence of commercial farming activity (3+ years)

For Senior Public Servants (Additional):

• Government employment letter confirming Grade B1 status
• Proof of appointment duration (2+ years for permanent/acting, 5+ years for contractual)
• Letter of application to Director General of Finance and Planning

For Left-Hand Drive Vehicles (Additional):

• Letter of authorisation from Ministry of Finance or Customs
• Cabinet permission documentation

Import Duties & Taxes (Standard Importers)

Diesel Vehicles:

Revised CET (Common External Tariff) - Effective for Hybrids & Electrics:

Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (87.03):

• Import Duty: 20% (revised down from 35%)
• Excise Tax: 20% (revised down from 45%)
• CSC: 4%
• Surcharge: Varies by 4-factor model
• VAT: 15%
• Total significantly reduced from gasoline equivalents

Revised Surcharge Model (4-Factor Formula):

Base Surcharge: $1,000 × Engine Size Factor (0.7-0.9) × Age Factor (1.0-3.0) × CIF Factor (2.0-7.0)

Example Calculation:

• Base: $1,000
• Engine Size Factor: 0.8
• Age Factor: 2.0
• CIF Factor: 3.0
• Surcharge = $1,000 × 0.8 × 2.0 × 3.0 = $4,800

For Duty Concessions (Returning Nationals, Farmers, Senior Public Servants):

• 75% waiver of import duty, excise tax, and VAT
• Customs Service Charge (4%): Still applies
• Surcharge: Still applies if vehicle over 4 years old

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process begins when the importer appoints a licensed customs broker to manage the entire procedure and submit declarations through the ASYCUDA World system. The broker prepares a Bill of Sight detailing the vehicle specifications, which is submitted to the Valuation Unit for verification and approval. Once stamped, the broker completes the customs declaration using the approved valuation, commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, insurance certificate (if applicable), export certificate, and supporting documents.

After performing the “validate and assess” function in ASYCUDA World, the system calculates the applicable duties and taxes, which are then paid at Customs. The full declaration package is lodged with the Customs Department for review and processing. Once approved and any corrections resolved, Customs issues a release order, allowing the importer to proceed to the Port Authority to obtain a gate pass and arrange final collection of the vehicle.

Vehicle Registration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Registration Requirements:

Documents Required:

• One valid form of identification (National ID, Driver's License, or Passport)
• Customs declaration with:
  • Duty paid stamp
  • Valuation stamp
  • Signature of Comptroller of Customs/representative
• Price calculation sheet from Ministry of Trade (if consignee differs from applicant)
• For LHD vehicles: Letter of authorisation from Ministry of Finance/Customs
• For concession vehicles: Letter of proof from Ministry of Finance and Customs

Registration Procedures:

• Application form completed by applicant or agent
• Company stamp affixed if registering for/on behalf of company
• Minimum age requirement: 17 years old
• Inspection and licence payments prorated up to 11 months

Motor Vehicle Licence:

• Due based on last digit of registration number
• Can be paid for whole or half year
• Half-year payment = 55% of licence rate
• Half-year expires 6 months after licence due date

Why Choose UK Roadrunner for Your Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Car Import

Expert Duty Concession Support:

We understand returning national, farmer, and senior public servant concession requirements. We verify your eligibility and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Exceptional Quality Vehicles:

All vehicles thoroughly inspected and assessed. We verify RHD status 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 licensed clearing agent recommendations in Kingstown.

Significant Cost Savings for Concession-Eligible Importers:

Returning nationals, farmers, and senior public servants save 75% on import duty, excise tax, and VAT—representing thousands in savings. We help you maximise these benefits.

Fastest Delivery from UK:

23 days from collection to Kingstown arrival—significantly faster than most Caribbean destinations.

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 Vincent and the Grenadines car import regulations, procedures, and taxation, consult these official sources:

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Government Agencies:

• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Customs Department – Import procedures, duties, and regulations
  • Customs clearance procedures
  • Duty calculator
  • ASYCUDA World system
  • Importation of Vehicles
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Vehicle Licensing – Vehicle registration and licensing
  • Motor vehicle registration procedures
  • Licence requirements
• new import tax regime for motor vehicle
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority – Port operations
  • Kingstown port procedures
  • Gate pass issuance

Ready to Import Your Car from the UK or Japan to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from the UK and Japan to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines via Kingstown. 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 assess your concession eligibility and provide transparent costing showing your significant potential savings.