SHIPPING a Car to Jamaica: Step-by-Step Guide
Jamaica Landed Cost Estimator (Illustrative)
Enter your vehicle’s CIF (USD) and duty rate. This tool applies Environmental Levy (0.5%), SCF (0.3%), and GCT (15%).
Note: This is an estimate. Actual assessment depends on your vehicle’s HS code and any concessions. Confirm with your licensed broker and Jamaica Customs.
Shipping a Car to Jamaica: Step-by-Step Guide
1) Check if your vehicle is eligible
Jamaica limits the age of used vehicles at import: cars/station wagons/SUVs up to 6 years; motorcycles/ATVs up to 5 years; light commercial vehicles 6–10 years depending on type; and returning residents up to 10 years (conditions apply)
2) Get your import licence (before you ship)
Apply online for a motor-vehicle Import Licence from Trade Board Limited via JSWIFT (Jamaica Single Window for Trade). You’ll receive status updates and notifications online. JSWIFT · Trade Board.
3) Prepare required documents
- Import Licence (Trade Board)
- Vehicle Title/Export Certificate
- Bill of Lading/Order (from shipping agent)
- Supplier Invoice
- Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) (where applicable)
- Simplified Administrative Document (eSAD) by a licensed customs broker
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (if required)
Jamaica Customs – Required documents · JCA FAQ · Trade Information Portal (eSAD).
4) Choose a shipping method
RoRo is often cheapest for drivable vehicles; container shipping gives better protection and allows sending effects together. Main ports: Kingston and Montego Bay.
5) On arrival: inspection, duties & taxes, release
Customs inspects, assesses, and collects amounts due; then your broker arranges release and pickup. See the JCA guide on documents and processing. JCA.
Taxes & fees you should expect
- GCT (VAT): 15% (standard rate)
- Standards Compliance Fee (SCF): 0.3% of CIF (collected for the Bureau of Standards)
- Environmental Levy: 0.5% of CIF
- Import Duty (varies by HS code) and any SCT depending on classification
JCA – Duties & Taxes; PwC – GCT 15%; U.S. Trade Guide – SCF & Environmental levy.
6) Timeline & checklist
4–6 weeks before shipping: Confirm eligibility; apply for Import Licence on JSWIFT.
2–3 weeks before sailing: Book RoRo/container space; send title, invoice, import licence to your shipper.
At loading: Deliver the car clean with minimal fuel; remove personal items if RoRo; collect Bill of Lading.
Arrival in Jamaica: Give documents to your broker; inspection → pay duties/taxes/fees → release.
Pro tips
- Returning Residents: vehicles up to 10 years old with approvals (check the Trade Board and JCA pages).
- Arrange Jamaican insurance and registration after customs release.
- Confirm right/left-hand drive and insurance implications before purchase.