How do you import a car from Japan to Grenada, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Grenada charges 25% import duty, a 5% customs service charge, 40–50% excise by engine size and 15% VAT, plus a 30% environmental levy on used cars 5 years and older. For a typical 5-year-old 1.5-litre car that adds up to about 140% of CIF. There is no fixed age limit, and right-hand drive is standard.
Car import duty calculator for Grenada
Grenada drives on the left, which means Japan's right-hand-drive auction stock is the natural fit for the island. The Spice Isle is a small but active market for used imported vehicles, and Japanese cars — known for reliability and low running costs in hot, humid climates — are well established on Grenadian roads.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Grenada?
- Steering
- Right-hand drive only
- Age limit
- No fixed age limit; older vehicles pay a higher environmental levy.
- Entry ports
- Port of St. George's
How do you import a car from Japan to Grenada, step by step?
Check the import rules
No fixed age limit; older vehicles pay a higher environmental levy. Grenada registers right-hand-drive vehicles, so Japanese domestic stock meets the steering rule.
Buy the car and obtain the export certificate
After purchase in Japan the car's registration is cancelled and an export certificate is issued. An English translation of it is needed for customs and registration in Grenada.
Ship to Port of St. George's
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of St. George's. Sea transit is about 40–55 days. The shipping line issues the bill of lading, which customs needs for the entry.
Lodge the customs entry and pay the taxes
A licensed clearing agent lodges the import declaration with the invoice, bill of lading and export certificate. Customs assesses Import Duty, Environmental Levy, Customs Service Charge, Excise Tax and VAT; the rates are in the duty table on this page.
Register the car
After customs release and payment of port charges, the car is registered and plated by Grenada's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Grenada charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (CET) | 25% | CIF value |
| Environmental Levy (5yr+ used) | 30% | CIF value |
| Customs Service Charge | 5% | CIF value |
| Excise Tax | 40%–50% by engine size | CIF + import duty |
| VAT | 15% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Import Duty (CET)
Rate: 25%. Charged on: CIF value.
Environmental Levy (5yr+ used)
Rate: 30%. Charged on: CIF value.
Customs Service Charge
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Excise Tax
Rate: 50% up to 1,000 cc; 40% above 1,000 cc. Charged on: CIF + import duty.
VAT
Rate: 15%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
Grenada charges a 25% CET duty, a 5% Customs Service Charge, an engine-banded excise (50% up to 1000cc, 40% above, on the duty-inclusive value), 15% VAT, and an age-based environmental levy that jumps to 30% of CIF for cars 5 years and older — so a typical older auction car lands around 140-155% of CIF.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Grenada?
Worked examples are not shown for this market. Use the calculator below with your own car.
How long does shipping take, and which ports?
| Port | Method | Transit (days) | Freight from (sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of St. George's | RoRo or container | 40–55 | US$1,950 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Grenada?
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
A compact, fuel-efficient right-hand-drive hatchback — perfect for Grenada's roads, easy to park in St. George's, and available in petrol and hybrid versions from Japanese auction.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
The dependable choice for a small island where reliable low-cost transport matters more than novelty — the 1.5L engine is economical and parts are accessible across the Caribbean.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
Lightweight and fuel-efficient with a small footprint ideal for island roads — low running costs and simple mechanics make it easy to own and service in Grenada.
- Models and prices
Daihatsu Mira
For buyers who want the lowest possible running costs — a kei-class car with minimal fuel consumption and a tiny engine that is easy to maintain on a small island.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Grenada?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. George's | Port of St. George's | US$40 | US$60 | 1 |
| Grenville | Port of St. George's | US$70 | US$100 | 1 |
How do you avoid scams when buying a car from Japan?
- Check that the exporter is a registered Japanese company: look up its corporate number and address, and prefer members of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association.
- Ask for the original auction sheet and, after purchase, the export certificate. Both name the chassis number, which should match the invoice.
- Pay only to a company bank account in the exporter's name, never to a personal account or a money-transfer agent.
AVON INTERNATIONAL company and licence details are on the About page, and the JUMVEA member list is public. JUMVEA (exporters association) · About AVON INTERNATIONAL · Is buying a car from Japan safe?
Frequently asked questions
- Does Grenada use right-hand-drive vehicles?
- Yes — Grenada drives on the left, so right-hand-drive vehicles are the norm. Japan's entire domestic auction supply is RHD, making Japanese cars a natural fit for the Grenadian market.
- Which Japanese cars work best in Grenada?
- The Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla Axio, and Suzuki Swift are the most practical choices — all right-hand drive, fuel-efficient, and built to handle hot and humid island conditions with minimal maintenance. The Daihatsu Mira is the lowest-cost option for buyers on the tightest budget.
Sources
- Grenada Customs & Excise — Administrative (CET) Tariff — checked 15 October 2026
- Government of Grenada — checked 15 October 2026
Car import duty calculator for Grenada
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Estimate only. Duties are assessed by customs on arrival, freight rates move, and rules change. Check current figures before you buy.