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Import Cars from Japan and the UK to Trinidad and Tobago

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

We specialise in sourcing and exporting quality vehicles from Japan and the UK directly to Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Japan & UK Car Export Service for Trinidad and Tobago – Step by Step

Car Sourcing & Selection

We source vehicles across Japanese and UK trade networks to find your perfect car at the best price. Our specialists advise on specifications, condition, and negotiate the best prices.

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 Trinidad and Tobago.

Expert Car Sourcing & Inspection

  • Bespoke sourcing across Japan and UK markets
  • Management of purchase and collection
  • Quality assessment and condition verification
  • Mileage verification and reports
  • Paintwork reconditioning (if required)

Car Shipping to Trinidad and Tobago

At UK Roadrunner, we provide a fully managed Japan & UK to Trinidad and Tobago car shipping service via Port of Spain or Point Lisas, ensuring your vehicle is exported safely, professionally, and in full compliance with import requirements.

Car Documentation & Clearance

We courier all original vehicle documents and high-value loose items to support smooth customs clearance in Trinidad and Tobago.

Japan & UK to Trinidad & Tobago Car Import – What You Need to Know

Overview: Vehicle Import Regulations

Trinidad and Tobago permits vehicle imports from Japan, the UK, and other countries. Used vehicles must meet strict age requirements (3-4 years depending on fuel type). All vehicles must be right-hand drive (except LHD for qualified returning nationals). Import licences are mandatory, and motor vehicle tax is charged based on engine capacity. Returning nationals receive significant duty relief.

Key Requirements:

  1. Age restriction: 3-4 years maximum (depending on fuel type)
  2. Right-hand drive: Mandatory (LHD allowed for qualified returning nationals only)
  3. Import license: Mandatory from Ministry of Trade & Industry
  4. Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT): Based on engine capacity (TT$ per cc)
  5. Ad valorem duty: 52.50%-67.5% depending on engine capacity
  6. VAT: 12.5% on adjusted value
  7. Returning national exemptions: Duty relief available
  8. One vehicle per 3-4 years: Limitation on individual imports
  9. Licensed clearing agent: Mandatory for customs clearance

Trinidad & Tobago Car Import Regulations & Requirements

Vehicle Eligibility:

Trinidad & Tobago permits the importation of used vehicles from Japan, the UK, and other countries with strict age requirements.

Vehicle Age Restriction:

  • Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, and CNG vehicles: Maximum 3 years old from year of manufacture
  • Returning nationals importing LHD: Maximum 4 years old (if 5+ years abroad)
  • Verification required: Age verification documentation (year of manufacture) mandatory

Right-Hand Drive Requirement:

  • Standard requirement: All vehicles must be right-hand drive
  • LHD exception: Left-hand drive vehicles allowed ONLY for:
    • Qualified returning nationals
    • Diplomats
    • Requires 5+ years' residence abroad
    • Must own vehicle 6+ months prior to shipping

Vehicle Condition Requirements:

  • Structurally sound: Vehicle must be in sound structural condition
  • Environmental compliance: Must meet environmental requirements
  • Air conditioning: Must be fitted with ozone-friendly refrigerant
  • Roadworthiness: Must be generally good condition (subject to inspection)
  • Certificate of cancellation: Original certificate from the Transport Authority (country of origin)

Important Restrictions

Individual Import Limitations:

  • One vehicle per 3-4 years: Individuals allowed only one import per 3-4 year period
  • Ownership non-transferable: Vehicle ownership cannot be transferred during restriction period
  • Business implications: Cannot sell vehicle immediately after import

Vehicle Restrictions:

  • No LHD except qualified: Left-hand drive prohibited except returning nationals (5+ years abroad) and diplomats
  • Age limits strict: 3-4 year maximum age strictly enforced
  • Environmental compliance: Ozone-friendly refrigerant mandatory

Documents Required for Trinidad & Tobago Car Import

Essential Pre-Shipment Documents (Japan/UK):

  • Commercial invoice/proof of purchase
  • Proof of ownership
  • Vehicle registration certificate
  • Insurance documentation
  • Deregistration Certificate (from country of origin)

For Import Licence Application:

  • ttconnect ID (must register at www.ttconnect.gov.tt)
  • Driver's Permit, Passport, or National ID
  • Declaration for License to Import Used Motor Vehicle (online form)
  • Proof of age verification (year of manufacture)

For Customs Clearance:

  • Import License: From Ministry of Trade & Industry (online TTBizLink)
  • Bill of Lading: Original shipping document
  • Deregistration Certificate: From country of origin, stamped by the Transport Authority
  • Commercial Invoice: Full details of vehicle
  • Certificate of Cancellation: Registration cancelled in country of origin
  • Age Verification: Documentation showing year of manufacture
  • Customs Declaration Form (C82): Only online submission
  • CARICOM Area Invoice: If available (multiple copies)
  • Photo ID: Driver's Permit, Passport, or National ID
  • Driver's Permit: If planning to drive vehicle from port

For Vehicle Registration (After Customs Clearance):

For Individual Use:

  • Registration Form
  • Import licence (approved)
  • Record of Payment of Motor Vehicle Tax
  • Bill of Lading
  • Export Certificate (English translation)
  • Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards certification
  • Insurance documentation
  • Customs and Excise Division Official Receipt
  • Assessment Notice
  • C82 Form
  • CARICOM Invoice
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Driver's Permit/ID/Passport
  • Registration Fee: TT$100.00
  • Weighbridge Fee: TT$20.00

For Returning Nationals (Additional):

  • Proof of residence abroad (passport, employment records)
  • Proof of vehicle ownership (registration certificate, insurance, bill of sale, certificate of title)
  • Affidavit sworn before Commissioner
  • Two passport-size photos

Import Duties & Taxes

Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) - Personal Import:

Up to 1599cc: TT$3.75 per cc 1600-1799cc: TT$6.00 per cc 1800-1999cc: TT$11.25 per cc 2000-2499cc: TT$28.12 per cc 2500-2999cc: TT$33.75 per cc 3000-3499cc: TT$39.375 per cc 3500cc and above: TT$56.25 per cc

Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) - Business Import:

Up to 1599cc: TT$5.00 per cc 1600-1799cc: TT$8.00 per cc 1800-1999cc: TT$15.00 per cc 2000-2499cc: TT$37.50 per cc 2500-2999cc: TT$45.00 per cc 3000-3499cc: TT$52.50 per cc 3500cc and above: TT$75.00 per cc

Ad Valorem Duty (All Vehicles):

  • Calculation: 75% of MVT amount (regardless of engine capacity)

Import Duty:

  • Up to 2000cc: 37.50% of CIF/CNF value 2000cc and above: 60% of CIF/CNF value

Hybrid & CNG Tax Break:

  • Hybrid vehicles up to 1599cc: Exempt from import duty (0%)
  • CNG vehicles up to 1599cc: Exempt from import duty (0%)
  • Still applies: MVT, ad valorem, and VAT

Value Added Tax (VAT):

  • Rate: 12.5% on CIF + MVT + Import duty + ad valorem

Returning Resident Exemptions

Eligibility Criteria:

Right-Hand Drive Vehicle:

  • Resident abroad for a minimum 1 year
  • Vehicle ownership minimum 3 months prior to shipping
  • Vehicle maximum 4 years old
  • Receives 100% relief from customs duty and MVT

Left-Hand Drive Vehicle:

  • Resident abroad for a minimum 5 years
  • Vehicle ownership minimum 6 months prior to shipping
  • Vehicle maximum 4 years old
  • Allowed only for qualified returning nationals and diplomats
  • Receives 100% relief from customs duty and MVT

Exemption Benefits:

  • Customs Duty: 100% exempt
  • Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT): 100% exempt
  • VAT: Full VAT applies (12.5%)
  • Household effects: Up to TT$250,000 duty and tax relief

Exemption Conditions:

  • Must prove 5+ years continuous residence abroad for LHD vehicles
  • Must provide supporting evidence: payslips, rental/lease agreements, work visas, employment letters, tax returns, landlord letters
  • The vehicle cannot be sold within ownership transfer restriction period

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process in Trinidad and Tobago begins with registering for a ttconnect ID via the official government portal and obtaining authentication before applying online for an import a licence through TTBizLink, a mandatory step that must be completed before the vehicle arrives. Once the licence is approved by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, a licensed clearing agent must be engaged to manage clearance with the Customs and Excise Division.

The agent submits all required documentation, including the import licence approval, original Bill of Lading, deregistration certificate, commercial invoice, age verification, and customs declaration forms at Port of Spain or Point Lisas. Customs conducts a vehicle inspection, verifies documentation, and assesses the applicable Motor Vehicle Tax, import duty, ad valorem duty, and VAT. Once all duties and taxes are paid and an official receipt is issued, Customs releases the vehicle, making it ready for collection and subsequent registration in Trinidad and Tobago.

Vehicle Registration

Registration Requirements:

  • Customs Release documentation
  • Official Customs Receipt
  • Assessment Notice
  • Vehicle inspection/certification
  • Payment of registration fees
  • Valid Driver's Permit, ID, or Passport
  • Insurance documentation

Registration Process:

  1. Collect all customs clearance documents
  2. Complete Vehicle Registration Form
  3. Submit documentation to Transport Authority
  4. Pay registration fees (TT$100) and weighbridge fee (TT$20)
  5. Vehicle inspection and road-worthiness certification
  6. Receive registration plates and license

Road-Worthiness Inspection:

  • Mandatory before road use
  • Conducted by Transport Commissioner's representatives
  • Vehicle must be generally good condition
  • Must meet environmental requirements
  • Certificate issued upon approval

Useful Resources

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

Trinidad and Tobago Government Agencies:

Ready to Import Your Car from Japan or the UK to Trinidad and Tobago?

We specialise in sourcing, exporting, and shipping high-quality vehicles directly from Japan and the UK to Trinidad and Tobago via Port of Spain or Point Lisas. 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.