What is the age limit for importing Japanese cars to Trinidad and Tobago?

Max 4 years from date of manufacture

Import Japanese Car to Trinidad and Tobago — Complete Guide 2026

Q: What documents do I need to import a car from Japan to Trinidad and Tobago?

JEVIC Inspection Certificate, Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, Invoice, Insurance, TTBS clearance

Age Limit

Max 4 years

Manufactured 2022 or later

Import Duty

~45% total

~45%: customs duty 20–25% + VAT 12.5% + motor vehicle tax

Steering Side

LHD

Drives on the left. Both LHD and RHD common — RHD Japanese imports widely used.

Transit Time

20–25 days

From Japanese port to Trinidad and Tobago

⚠️ Age Compliance Checker

Select your vehicle's manufacture year to check if it meets Trinidad and Tobago's 4-year age limit:

📍 Entry Ports

🚢 Port of Spain (Sea Lots) 🚢 Point Lisas

📋 Required Documents

📄JEVIC Inspection Certificate

📄Export Certificate

📄Bill of Lading

📄Invoice

📄Insurance

📄TTBS clearance

🗂 Step-by-Step Import Process

Select vehicle max 4 years old

Get JEVIC inspection in Japan

Ship to Port of Spain

TTBS clearance and inspection

Pay customs + VAT + motor vehicle tax

Licensing Division registration

💰 Import Duty & Taxes

~45%: customs duty 20–25% + VAT 12.5% + motor vehicle tax

⚠️ 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 Trinidad and Tobago before committing to a purchase.

🚫 Restrictions & Banned Vehicles

⛔Max 4 years strictly enforced

⛔Must have JEVIC inspection

🔍 Pre-shipment Inspection

JEVIC inspection required. TTBS (Standards Bureau) inspection on arrival.

🛡️ 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-Trinidad and Tobago 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.