How do you import a car from Japan to Haiti, and what does it cost? (2026)
Last reviewed by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., licensed USS member dealer (card L-1525)
Haiti charges a 10% customs duty, a 5% verification fee, a 10% Environmental Protection Tax specifically on imported used vehicles, and 10% TCA (turnover tax) — about 38% of CIF all-in. Post-2024 security conditions make logistics uncertain, so figures are indicative.
Car import duty calculator for Haiti
Haiti has historically been an active used-car import market — Japanese vehicles are common on Haitian roads — but the regulatory and logistical environment is volatile, with security conditions, port disruptions, and policy changes all affecting what is practical at any given time. The packet data for Haiti is thin, which itself reflects the difficulty of publishing reliable figures: rules, duties, and operational conditions change, and quoting specific numbers that may be wrong is more harmful than acknowledging the uncertainty honestly.
Can you import a used car from Japan to Haiti?
- Steering
- Right- and left-hand drive
- Age limit
- No fixed age limit; regime is volatile — confirm current rules before shipping.
- Special rules
- Security and port conditions can disrupt clearing; timelines vary.
- Entry ports
- Port of Port-au-Prince
How do you import a car from Japan to Haiti, step by step?
Check the import rules
No fixed age limit; regime is volatile — confirm current rules before shipping. Haiti accepts both left- and right-hand-drive vehicles, subject to its registration checks.
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 Haiti.
Ship to Port of Port-au-Prince
Cars from Japan arrive at Port of Port-au-Prince. Sea transit is about 38–52 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 Customs Duty, Verification fee, Environmental Protection Tax and TCA; 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 Haiti's vehicle registration authority.
What import duties and taxes does Haiti charge?
| Tax | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | 10% | CIF value |
| Verification fee | 5% | CIF value |
| Environmental Protection Tax (used vehicles) | 10% | CIF value |
| TCA (VAT) | 10% | CIF + duty + earlier taxes |
Customs Duty
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF value.
Verification fee
Rate: 5%. Charged on: CIF value.
Environmental Protection Tax (used vehicles)
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF value.
TCA (VAT)
Rate: 10%. Charged on: CIF + duty + earlier taxes.
What is clear is that used-car imports are active and Japanese vehicles are in demand.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Haiti?
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 Port-au-Prince | RoRo or container | 38–52 | US$1,850 |
Which Japanese cars are popular in Haiti?
- Models and prices
Toyota Probox
Haiti's roads demand durability above all else. The Probox is virtually indestructible, carries a practical load, and is inexpensive to buy at Japanese auction — making it a common choice for traders and NGO fleets alike.
- Models and prices
Honda Fit
For urban use in Port-au-Prince, the Fit's compact dimensions, good fuel efficiency, and low running costs make it one of the most practical daily vehicles available from Japanese auction.
- Models and prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A proven, parts-accessible sedan that holds up in hot climates with limited service infrastructure — the 1.5L engine is simple to maintain and fuel-efficient on Haitian roads.
- Models and prices
Suzuki Swift
A lightweight, fuel-efficient hatchback for budget buyers who need low running costs and low fuel consumption — simple mechanics are a real advantage where skilled mechanics are scarce.
How much is inland delivery to cities in Haiti?
| City | From port | Sedan | SUV / wagon | Extra days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port-au-Prince | Port of Port-au-Prince | US$60 | US$90 | 1 |
| Cap-Haitien | Port of Port-au-Prince | US$180 | US$240 | 2 |
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
- Is it currently possible to import a car from Japan to Haiti?
- Used-car imports to Haiti have historically been active and Japanese vehicles are widespread on Haitian roads. However, port access and security conditions are volatile.
- What duty does Haiti charge on imported vehicles?
- Haiti's customs duty and tax figures are not reliably published in a stable form, and conditions change frequently.
- Which Japanese cars are most suitable for Haiti?
- Durability and easy serviceability are the top priorities for Haiti's roads. The Toyota Probox, Corolla Axio, Honda Fit and Suzuki Swift are all well-suited — tough, fuel-efficient, with simple mechanics that local workshops can handle.
Car import duty calculator for Haiti
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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.