Jamaica Customs & Trade Board Import Policy
Complete Guide to Vehicle Import Duties & Clearance in Jamaica
Importing a motor vehicle into Jamaica involves navigating compound tax structures established by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) and strictly adhering to import age restrictions set by the Trade Board Limited (TBL). Landed clearance costs depend on vehicle classification, engine displacement (cc), fuel type, and unladen weight.
1. Standard Customs Duty Rates (Individual Importers)
Import duties are assessed on the combined Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the vehicle in USD. Aggregate rates compound the individual base rates of Import Duty (ID), Special Consumption Tax (SCTA), and General Consumption Tax (GCT).
| Vehicle Category & Engine Size | Fuel | Imp Duty | SCTA | GCT | Aggregate Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Car / SUV (≤1000 cc) | Gasoline | 20% | 10% | 15% | 52% |
| Motor Car / SUV (1001–2000 cc) | Gasoline | 20% | 20% | 15% | 66% |
| Motor Car / SUV (2001–3500+ cc) | Gasoline | 20% | 30% | 15% | 80% |
| Motor Car / SUV (≤1000 cc) | Diesel | 20% | 0% | 15% | 39% |
| Motor Car / SUV (1001–2200 cc) | Diesel | 20% | 10% | 15% | 52% |
| Motor Car / SUV (2201–3500+ cc) | Diesel | 20% | 20% | 15% | 66% |
| Hybrid Motor Cars | Hybrid | 20% | 0% | 15% | 39% |
| Electric Passenger / Pickup / Van (≤3 yrs) | Electric | 10% | 0% | 0% | 11% |
2. Mandatory Customs Administrative Fees (CAF)
In addition to aggregate percentage duties, the Jamaica Customs Agency levies a fixed Customs Administrative Fee (CAF) on entry clearance based on vehicle condition:
- New Motor Vehicles: Fixed CAF charge of J$63,250.00.
- Used Motor Vehicles: Fixed CAF charge of J$66,125.00.
3. Trade Board Import Age Limits
Under the Trade Board Limited regulations, used motor vehicles must satisfy strict age limits based on their year of manufacture prior to entry:
- Motor Cars, Sedans, SUVs, & Station Wagons: Maximum 6 years old.
- Light Commercial Pickups (1,501 kg – 3,000 kg), Panel & Window Vans: Maximum 10 years old.
- Commercial Buses (15–20 passenger seating): Maximum 12 years old.
- Returning Residents Concession: Qualified returning residents are allowed to import private motor vehicles up to 10 years old.
4. Required Clearance Documents Checklist
To avoid costly demurrage fees at the wharf, importers or their licensed customs broker must submit the following paperwork to Jamaica Customs:
- Trade Board Import Licence: Must be approved and granted by TBL prior to shipping the vehicle to Jamaica.
- Title & Registration Certificate: Official proof of ownership from the country of export.
- Bill of Lading: Details vehicle shipping specs, chassis number, and port details.
- Customs Form C84 (Valuation Declaration): Official valuation declaration form completed and signed for customs entry processing.
- Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Certificate: Verification of structural integrity and roadworthiness issued prior to export (required for exports from jurisdictions like Japan).
- TRN & Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC): Tax Identification Number and active tax compliance clearance.