What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Guyana?

Cars: No age limit (8-year cap removed Oct 2020). Small trucks (under 3 tons): max 4 years.

Japan Car Import to Guyana — Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Guyana?

ATJ Inspection Certificate, Original Export Certificate (De-registration), English Translation of Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Insurance Certificate, ASYCUDA Customs Declaration, Importer TIN

Age Limit

No limit

Commercial: Small trucks under 3t: max 4 years

Import Duty

~80% total

Taxes depend on vehicle age and engine size. Vehicles under four years old are taxed on engine capacity. Vehicles four years and older are subject to flat rates of duty and excise tax. Value Added Tax is fourteen percent. From February 16, 2026, hybrid vehicles under 2000cc, new vehicles under 1500cc, and double cab pickups under 2500cc are exempt from Value Added Tax. Electric vehicles are exempt from all duties, excise, and Value Added Tax.

Steering Side

RHD

Right-hand drive only.

Transit Time

45-60 days from Japan

From Japanese port to Guyana

✅ Age Check — No Restriction

Guyana has no strict age limit on Japanese car imports. Any year vehicle can be imported (subject to emissions and roadworthy standards).

🆕 Latest Rule Changes

Feb 2026Budget 2026 measures exempt hybrid vehicles under 2000cc, new vehicles under 1500cc, and double cab pickups under 2500cc from Value Added Tax, and introduce flat excise taxes on double cab pickups.

Feb 2025Guyana Revenue Authority mandates pre-shipment inspection by Autoterminal Japan (ATJ) for all used vehicle imports.

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Georgetown (Demerara River)

📋 Required Documents

📄ATJ Inspection Certificate

📄Original Export Certificate (De-registration)

📄English Translation of Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Commercial Invoice

📄Insurance Certificate

📄ASYCUDA Customs Declaration

📄Importer TIN

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🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Source RHD vehicle in Japan

Get ATJ Inspection (mandatory since Feb 2025)

Ship to Georgetown via RoRo or Container (45-60 days)

File customs declaration in ASYCUDA World

Pay duty and taxes at GRA Cashier

Pay Environmental Levy and customs fees

Vehicle inspection and registration

Obtain Guyanese license plates

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💰 Import Duty & Taxes

⚠️ Important: Duty rates change regularly. The figures above are based on 2026 rates and are for guidance only. Always confirm current rates with a licensed customs agent or freight forwarder in Guyana before committing to a purchase.

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🧮 Live Landed-Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of importing a Japanese car to Guyana — including auction price, shipping, duty & taxes — in your local currency. Live FX rates updated daily.

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Quick pick:

Auction price ¥850,000

¥100k¥1M¥3M¥10M

Shipping (Japan → port) $1,500

$800$1.5k$2.5k$4k

Auction price—

Shipping—

Insurance (1.5%)—

CIF subtotal—

Duty & taxes (~80%)—

Total landed cost —

Approx. in GYD —

Vehicle Shipping & insurance Duty & taxes

Estimate only. Actual cost depends on auction fees, current FX, port charges, and customs valuation. Always confirm with a licensed broker before purchase.

🤖 AI Import Advisor

Tell us the car you're considering and our AI will give you an honest assessment specific to Guyana's rules — whether to import it, what to verify, and what to watch for.

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AI-generated guidance — not a substitute for a licensed customs broker. Verify auction sheet, current duty rates, and import permits before purchase.

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🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔LHD vehicles are strictly prohibited

⛔Small trucks under 3 tons older than 4 years prohibited

⛔ATJ pre-shipment inspection mandatory since Feb 2025

⛔Shipping cannot proceed without ATJ certificate

⛔Salvage or heavily modified vehicles may be refused entry

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

ATJ (Autoterminal Japan) Inspection MANDATORY since February 1, 2025 — appointed by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

🛡️ Safety Guide — Before You Buy

Always verify the auction sheet first. Get the original JP Sheet verification report before committing to any vehicle — confirms grade, mileage, accident history and all damage marks.
Check for flood damage. The Japanese inspector notes the word 冠水 (flood) in the auction sheet notes section. This is only visible with a full translation — never skip translation if buying for an important purpose.
Use a licensed freight forwarder who specifically handles Japan-to-Guyana imports. They know local customs requirements, common delays and documentation pitfalls.
Verify the exporter. Check the company is registered, has verifiable reviews, and provides a full paper trail including export certificate and shipping documents.
Never pay full price before the car ships. A deposit is normal — paying 100% before shipping is a major fraud risk.
Check the chassis number matches across all documents — auction sheet, export certificate, bill of lading and invoice must all carry the same number.

💡 Import Tips for Guyana

Pre-shipment inspection by Autoterminal Japan is mandatory since February 1, 2025. Shipping cannot proceed without this certificate. Under the February 16, 2026 budget reforms, hybrid vehicles under 2000cc and new vehicles under 1500cc are exempt from Value Added Tax. Double cab pickups under 2500cc are also exempt from Value Added Tax. Electric vehicles enjoy zero percent duty, excise, and Value Added Tax. Guyana has a booming car market driven by the offshore oil economy. Right-hand drive vehicles are standard, and RoRo shipping is the most common method.

📚 Official Sources

Rules last checked 1 October 2026. Rules change often, so confirm with Guyana customs or a licensed clearing agent before you ship.

Vehicles 8 Years Old & Used Tyres - Guyana Revenue Authority

❓ Guyana Import FAQs

Common questions buyers ask about importing Japanese cars to Guyana. Tap any question to expand.

Can I import a 2018 Toyota Premio to Guyana in 2026?

Yes, you can import a 2018 Toyota Premio because there is no age limit for regular passenger cars, as the 8-year cap was removed in October 2020. However, cars 4 years and older are subject to flat rates of duty and excise tax. You must also ensure the vehicle passes the mandatory ATJ pre-shipment inspection before shipping.

What is the age limit for importing small trucks from Japan to Guyana?

Small trucks under 3 tons have a strict maximum age limit of 4 years. Any small truck older than 4 years is prohibited from entering the country. Ensure you verify the exact manufacturing year on the export certificate before purchasing.

Can I import a left-hand drive car from Japan to Guyana?

No, left-hand drive vehicles are strictly prohibited from being imported into Guyana. Only right-hand drive vehicles are allowed as they are the standard for Guyanese roads. Attempting to import an LHD vehicle will result in refusal of entry at the port.

How are import duties and taxes calculated for Japanese cars in Guyana?

Taxes depend on the vehicle's age and engine size. Vehicles under four years old are taxed based on engine capacity, while vehicles four years and older are subject to flat rates of duty and excise tax. Additionally, a Value Added Tax of 14 percent applies unless specific exemptions are met.

Do I have to pay VAT on a hybrid car imported to Guyana in 2026?

Under the February 16, 2026 budget reforms, hybrid vehicles under 2000cc are exempt from Value Added Tax. New vehicles under 1500cc and double cab pickups under 2500cc also enjoy this VAT exemption. Electric vehicles are completely exempt from all duties, excise, and Value Added Tax.

What currency are customs duties paid in at the port in Georgetown?

Customs duties and taxes are paid in Guyanese Dollars at the port of entry in Georgetown on the Demerara River. You will need to process your ASYCUDA Customs Declaration through a licensed customs broker to settle these payments. Make sure you factor currency exchange rates into your total budget.

How do I start the process of importing a Japanese car to Guyana?

The process begins by purchasing a right-hand drive vehicle from a Japanese exporter and arranging RoRo shipping to Georgetown. You must secure a mandatory ATJ pre-shipment inspection certificate, as shipping cannot proceed without it. Once the car arrives, your broker handles clearance using your ASYCUDA declaration and supporting documents.

How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to Guyana?

Shipping a car from Japan to Guyana typically takes between 45 to 60 days via Roll-on Roll-off transport. This timeframe can vary depending on transshipment schedules, port congestion, and the timing of your mandatory ATJ inspection. Always factor this delivery window into your timeline when replacing a vehicle.

What are the best Japanese cars to buy for driving in Guyana?

Popular and reliable models for Guyanese roads include the Toyota Premio, Toyota Allion, Toyota Axio, Honda Fit, and Nissan Note. These models are favored due to readily available spare parts, good fuel economy, and mechanical familiarity among local repair shops. Sticking to these mainstream RHD models simplifies both maintenance and resale.

Can I import a modified or salvage Japanese car to Guyana?

Salvage or heavily modified vehicles may be refused entry by customs authorities in Guyana. It is vital to purchase a car in good running condition with a clear export certificate. Pre-shipment inspections by Autoterminal Japan will also flag structural or mechanical issues that could block export.

What documents do I need to clear my Japanese car in Georgetown?

You need the ATJ Inspection Certificate, Original Export Certificate, English Translation of the Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, and Commercial Invoice. You also require an Insurance Certificate, an ASYCUDA Customs Declaration, and your Importer TIN. Missing any of these documents will delay customs clearance at the port.

Who issues the mandatory pre-shipment inspection certificate for Guyana?

The mandatory pre-shipment inspection is conducted and issued by Autoterminal Japan, which has been required since February 1, 2025. Shipping companies will not allow the vehicle to proceed without this certificate. Ensure this inspection is booked immediately after purchasing your car to avoid port delays in Japan.

Updated Oct 2026 · AI-generated from verified Guyana import rules