Does Jamaica require right-hand-drive cars?

Yes — Jamaica drives on the left and only right-hand-drive vehicles are permitted for registration. Japan's domestic auction stock is entirely RHD, so it fits the Jamaican market perfectly.

What is the maximum age for a car imported to Jamaica?

Motor cars must be six years old or newer from the year of manufacture. In 2026 that means a 2020 model year or newer. Cars over six years old are not permitted and will be refused at the port.

How much does it really cost to import a car from Japan to Jamaica?

Beyond the car and shipping, Jamaican taxes commonly add 90–130% of the CIF value — 20% import duty, Special Consumption Tax of 52–80% depending on engine size, 15% GCT, and 0.5% Environmental Levy. A smaller engine reduces the SCT significantly; our team quotes the exact figure before you commit.

Do I need a Trade Board import licence to bring a car into Jamaica?

Yes. Jamaica requires a Trade Board import licence before the car is shipped. Our team prepares and submits that licence application as part of the sourcing process, so you do not have to navigate it alone.

How long does shipping from Japan to Kingston take?

Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Kingston typically takes several weeks at sea, followed by customs inspection and clearing. Our team gives you the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked onto a vessel.

Cost to import a car from Japan to Jamaica

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Jamaica drives on the left, which makes Japan's right-hand-drive auction stock a natural fit — the same Japanese models that dominate the market in the UK and Australia slot straight into Jamaican traffic. The headline rules are tight: only right-hand-drive vehicles are permitted, and motor cars must be six years old or newer from the year of manufacture, meaning a 2020 model year or newer in 2026. You also need a Trade Board import licence before the car ships, which our team handles as part of the sourcing process. The tax picture is the biggest cost to plan around. When you import a car from Japan to Jamaica you pay 20% import duty, a Special Consumption Tax that climbs steeply with engine size (roughly 52% at 1000cc, 66% at 2000cc, and 80% above that), 15% GCT, and a 0.5% Environmental Levy — together the total tax burden commonly runs 90–130% of the car's CIF value. A smaller engine cuts the SCT sharply, so many Jamaican buyers target sub-1500cc cars. Our licensed team quotes the full landed cost before you commit, with no surprises at Kingston.

Main ports: Port of Kingston
Import age rule: Motor cars ≤6 years; Trade Board import licence required.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Jamaica charges 20% import duty, a Special Consumption Tax banded by engine size (10% up to 1000cc, 20% to 2000cc, 30% above, on the duty-inclusive value), 15% GCT and a 0.5% environmental levy — total around 52% of CIF for a small car up to ~80% for a large one. A core RHD market, but used cars need a Trade Board licence and generally must be within the age cap (~5-6 years).

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Jamaica

Pick a Jamaica-compliant car
Tell us your budget and use case. We only shortlist right-hand-drive cars built within the last six years (2020 or newer in 2026), so the car clears the Trade Board age rule before we go anywhere near the auction floor.
Trade Board import licence
Jamaica requires a Trade Board licence before the car is shipped. Our team prepares and submits the licence application on your behalf as part of the sourcing process.
We source it at Japanese auction
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the car, reads the auction sheet and grade in detail, and confirms its real condition before you commit a single dollar.
Ocean shipping to Port of Kingston
The car is booked onto a vessel bound for the Port of Kingston, Jamaica's main entry point for vehicle imports. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once it is booked.
Duty, SCT and clearing at Kingston
On arrival we handle customs valuation and pay the import duty, Special Consumption Tax, GCT and Environmental Levy, then clear the car through the port ready for collection or inland delivery.
Delivery to your city
From Kingston the car can be delivered to Montego Bay, Mandeville, Spanish Town, Ocho Rios or wherever you are. We quote that cost upfront so the full picture is clear from the start.

Import duties & taxes in Jamaica explained

Jamaican import taxes are layered and engine-size-sensitive, which is why knowing the exact cc of the car matters from day one. You pay 20% import duty on the customs (CIF) value, then a Special Consumption Tax that scales with engine displacement — approximately 52% on cars up to 1000cc, rising to 66% at 2000cc and up to 80% for larger engines. On top of that comes 15% GCT (General Consumption Tax) and a 0.5% Environmental Levy. Taken together, the total tax burden commonly lands between 90% and 130% of CIF value, making Jamaica one of the highest-duty Caribbean markets. Choosing a sub-1500cc car is the most direct way to lower that bill. Because the final figure also depends on customs valuation and the specific SCT band for your car, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Jamaica

Honda Fit
Jamaica's most sensible import choice: right-hand drive, sub-1500cc petrol and hybrid options that attract the lowest SCT band, and a practical cabin that handles Kingston traffic with ease.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A proven family sedan in right-hand-drive markets — the 1.5L engine keeps SCT moderate, parts are available everywhere on the island, and it holds its value well.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light, fuel-efficient and easy to park on tight island roads. Its small engine puts it in the lowest SCT band, making it one of the cheapest compliant imports for budget-conscious buyers.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact hatchback with a better cabin than its price suggests — a small engine keeps SCT low and running costs manageable on Jamaican fuel prices.
See prices
Toyota Probox
The workhorse choice for traders and small businesses. Durable, cheap to run, right-hand drive, and the station-wagon body handles everything from tool transport to family errands.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Jamaica

Kingston — You are at the port — inland delivery for a sedan within Kingston runs about $110.
Spanish Town — Delivery from Kingston to Spanish Town adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Mandeville — Delivery from Kingston to Mandeville adds roughly $80 for a sedan.
Montego Bay — Delivery from Kingston to Montego Bay adds roughly $120 for a sedan.
Ocho Rios — Delivery from Kingston to Ocho Rios adds roughly $130 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Jamaica require right-hand-drive cars?: Yes — Jamaica drives on the left and only right-hand-drive vehicles are permitted for registration. Japan's domestic auction stock is entirely RHD, so it fits the Jamaican market perfectly.
What is the maximum age for a car imported to Jamaica?: Motor cars must be six years old or newer from the year of manufacture. In 2026 that means a 2020 model year or newer. Cars over six years old are not permitted and will be refused at the port.
How much does it really cost to import a car from Japan to Jamaica?: Beyond the car and shipping, Jamaican taxes commonly add 90–130% of the CIF value — 20% import duty, Special Consumption Tax of 52–80% depending on engine size, 15% GCT, and 0.5% Environmental Levy. A smaller engine reduces the SCT significantly; our team quotes the exact figure before you commit.
Do I need a Trade Board import licence to bring a car into Jamaica?: Yes. Jamaica requires a Trade Board import licence before the car is shipped. Our team prepares and submits that licence application as part of the sourcing process, so you do not have to navigate it alone.
How long does shipping from Japan to Kingston take?: Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Kingston typically takes several weeks at sea, followed by customs inspection and clearing. Our team gives you the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked onto a vessel.