Import rules and regulations in Trinidad

Public reputation of Japanese vehicles is so good that whenever Japan produced a new automobile it quickly draws people’s attention. The reason contribute to the popularity of Japanese vehicles is their reliability and high on quality. Japan manufactured vehicles are economical and convenient. Large of numbers of vehicle, both new and used are imported in many countries across the world from Japan. Trinidad, two-island Republic off the northern edge of South America, also import large number of Japanese used vehicles.



Before importing a vehicle, it is necessary for a used vehicle importer to make sure all imported used cars and vehicles meet the government regulation standards. The importation of right-hand drive vehicles is allowed in the nation. Trinidad does not allow importation of cars fitted with diesel engine. Importation of only one vehicle every 3 years is allowed for an individual.

The car imported should not be more than 4 years old. For vehicles to be used as taxis, they must not be more than 3 years from the date of manufacture. The imported car must be deregistered and should have accurate information about mileage and manufacturing year.

Necessary documents for importing vehicle-

• Four copies of Customs Declaration Form (C82 Form)
• CARICOM Area Invoice (this is provided by the supplier and is necessary for all goods entering the CARICOM region).
• Supplier’s Invoice
• Bill Of Lading (BOL)
• Import License
• Certificate of Origin
• Deregistration Certificate: – The certificate must have manufacturing date, engine number and chassis number that match the vehicles.
• Original Passport

Import Tax Rates:-

CAR TYPE	IMPORT DUTY	VAT
Up to 1599cc	25%	15%
1600cc to 2000cc	35%	15%
2001cc to 3000cc	40%	15%
3000cc and above	45%	15%

Major ports for shipment of used vehicles in Trinidad are port of Tembladora, port of Scarborough, Pointe-a-Pierre harbor, port of Point Fortin. Generally RoRo shipping method is used for shipment of vehicles, but on request of customers more expensive method, container is used.

Vehicle imported in Trinidad must be environment friendly and should be roadworthy inspected before it gets registered. Due to easy availability and affordable prices Japan used cars are popular in Trinidad. The preferred Japanese brands in this region are Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi.