How to import a car from Japan to Trinidad and Tobago
How to import a car from Japan to Trinidad & Tobago ?
Trinidad & Tobago enforces strict age rules for used RHD imports: guidance published by the Trade and Licensing Unit indicates permissible ages are limited (e.g., many used RHD cars must be quite recent — historically ≤4 years for private imports; rules tightened from end-2024). Import licences and TLU approvals are needed for used right-hand-drive motor vehicles arriving after Dec 31, 2024. Taxes include customs duty, Environmental Levy and VAT/GCT — check the TLU and Customs for the licence route and validity. Documents: Japanese deregistration, invoice, BL, proof of residency (if importing under a personal scheme).
Trend (SUVs): Japanese SUVs remain popular in Trinidad & Tobago, but age restrictions mean the market skews to more recent models; importers often source near-new SUVs and compact crossovers to match the regulatory ceiling and consumer preference for newer, lower-running-cost vehicles. Exporter listings for Trinidad in 2025 show high SUV representation.
Export Statistics from Japan to Trinidad and Tobago
In 2025, Japan exported approximately 4,378 used vehicles to Trinidad and Tobago[^15^], placing the country 36th globally in import volume. Monthly breakdown:
- January: 536
- February: 601
- March: 714
- April: 569
- May: 756
- June: 621
- July: 581
- August–December: Pending updates
Vehicle categories:
- Passenger cars (compact, hatchback, sedan) – 46%
- SUVs and crossovers – 39%
- Light trucks and vans – 10%
- Buses and others – 4%
📈 2025 Import Trends for Japanese Vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago’s automotive market continues to favor Japanese vehicles for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Key trends include:
- Age Restriction: Vehicles must be 4 years old or newer; taxis must be 3 years or newer
- Right-hand drive only
- No pre-shipment inspection required
- Growing interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, especially in urban areas
- Cabinet proposal (2025): Age limit may be extended to 8 years, pending approval[^13^]
Taxation based on engine size:
| Engine Capacity | Import Duty | VAT |
| Up to 1599cc | 25% | 15% |
| 1600–2000cc | 35% | 15% |
| 2001–3000cc | 40% | 15% |
| 3000cc and above | 45% | 15% |
Shipping port: Port of Spain
Transit time: 5–6 weeks via RoRo or container service
🧾 Clearing & Forwarding Agents in Trinidad and Tobago
Trusted agencies supporting Japanese vehicle imports:
| Agency Name | Location | Services |
| Trinidad Shipping & Brokerage | Port of Spain | Customs clearance, vehicle delivery |
| Caribbean Customs Services | San Fernando | Import documentation, port handling |
| Stress Less Auto Imports | Nationwide | End-to-end import coordination |
| AutoClear TT Ltd | Port of Spain | Licensed customs brokerage, vehicle registration support |
These agencies assist with customs paperwork, import licensing, and final delivery across Trinidad and Tobago.
CIF estimate: USD 12,964.50 (Freight: USD 4,480 @ USD320/m³; Insurance: USD 64.50)
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