Does Trinidad & Tobago require right-hand-drive cars?

Yes — Trinidad & Tobago drives on the left and RHD vehicles are the standard. Japan's domestic auction stock is entirely right-hand drive, which makes it the ideal source for T&T buyers.

What is the age limit for importing a car to T&T?

The policy has applied a strict age cap, generally around five years from the year of manufacture for used passenger cars, though this has changed over time. Our team confirms the exact current rule for your vehicle type before we source anything.

How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Trinidad & Tobago?

Taxes typically include approximately 30% import duty, around 25% excise (varying by engine size and type), and 12.5% VAT on the CIF value. Combined, this adds substantially to the car's auction price. Our team quotes the exact landed cost before you commit.

Do I need an import licence to bring a car into T&T?

Yes. An import licence is required before the car enters the country. Our team handles the licence application as part of the sourcing process so you do not have to navigate the paperwork alone.

How long does shipping from Japan to Port of Spain take?

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

Cost to import a car from Japan to Trinidad & Tobago

Rates & rules last reviewed 1 July 2026

Trinidad & Tobago drives on the left, which makes Japan's right-hand-drive stock the correct fit for the local market. The country applies a strict age cap on used commercial vehicle imports — generally around five years from the year of manufacture, though the exact policy has shifted periodically — and requires an import licence before a car enters the country. The Port of Spain is the arrival point for vehicle shipments, with onward access to San Fernando, Chaguanas and the rest of the twin islands. On the cost side, Trinidad & Tobago charges approximately 30% import duty, around 25% excise, and 12.5% VAT, making it one of the more layered but still tractable tax environments in the English-speaking Caribbean. The correct engine size matters because excise rates can vary by displacement and vehicle type. When you import a car from Japan to Trinidad & Tobago, our licensed team handles auction sourcing, shipping to Port of Spain, and all customs paperwork — and quotes the full landed cost before you commit.

Main ports: Port of Spain
Import age rule: Used vehicle commercial import age policies change; generally strict age cap and import licence required.
Steering: RHD
Duties & taxes: Trinidad & Tobago charges an engine-banded customs duty (20% up to 1599cc, 25% to 1999cc, 45% above), a per-cc Motor Vehicle Tax that rises sharply with engine size, and 12.5% VAT — so a small car lands around 40% of CIF while a big petrol SUV can exceed 100%. RHD market; used imports need a licence and (from Nov 2025) must be ≤8 years old. Hybrids ≤1599cc and small EVs are tax-exempt.

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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 Trinidad & Tobago

Confirm the current age cap and licence
Age cap policies for used vehicle imports in T&T have changed over the years. Our team confirms the current maximum permitted age for your vehicle type and prepares the required import licence before the car is sourced.
Source a compliant car at Japanese auction
Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds a right-hand-drive car within the age window, reads the full auction sheet and grade, and verifies real condition before you commit.
Export documentation and pre-shipment preparation
We prepare all export paperwork and origin documentation, confirm age compliance, book marine insurance, and ensure everything is in order before the car leaves Japan.
Ocean shipping to Port of Spain
The car ships to the Port of Spain. We send you the sailing schedule and tracking once the vessel booking is confirmed.
Duty, excise, VAT and clearing
On arrival our team handles customs valuation, pays import duty, excise surcharge and VAT, clears the car through the port, and arranges collection or inland delivery.
Delivery across Trinidad and Tobago
From Port of Spain the car can be delivered to San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima or anywhere on the island, with Tobago forwarding also arranged. Cost is quoted upfront.

Import duties & taxes in Trinidad & Tobago explained

Trinidad & Tobago applies approximately 30% import duty on the CIF value of the vehicle, around 25% excise or surcharge (which can vary by engine displacement and fuel type), and 12.5% VAT. The total tax burden therefore typically represents a significant addition above the car's purchase price and shipping costs. Because the excise band for your specific engine size and the customs valuation schedule affect the final number, the placeholder rates above are indicative. Our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car before any money moves.

Popular Japanese cars for Trinidad & Tobago

Honda Fit
The default fuel-efficient import for T&T — right-hand drive, sub-1500cc petrol and hybrid options, and a spacious cabin that handles Port of Spain traffic as well as inter-city runs.
See prices
Toyota Corolla Axio
A trusted family sedan in right-hand-drive markets — the 1.5L engine keeps excise manageable, parts are widely available across the twin islands, and it holds its value for resale.
See prices
Suzuki Swift
Light and fuel-efficient with the smallest engine footprint in the range — low excise, low fuel bills, and easy to park in busy urban areas across Trinidad.
See prices
Mazda Demio
A well-finished compact hatchback with a better-than-budget interior — the small engine keeps the excise bill down while the cabin quality exceeds the price point.
See prices
Toyota Probox
The practical business choice for T&T traders: a durable right-hand-drive wagon with a high load rating, cheap to run, and built to handle both urban and rural roads.
See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Trinidad & Tobago

Port of Spain — You are at the port — inland delivery within Port of Spain runs about $110 for a sedan.
Chaguanas — Delivery from Port of Spain to Chaguanas adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
Arima — Delivery from Port of Spain to Arima adds roughly $110 for a sedan.
San Fernando — Delivery from Port of Spain to San Fernando adds roughly $120 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Trinidad & Tobago require right-hand-drive cars?: Yes — Trinidad & Tobago drives on the left and RHD vehicles are the standard. Japan's domestic auction stock is entirely right-hand drive, which makes it the ideal source for T&T buyers.
What is the age limit for importing a car to T&T?: The policy has applied a strict age cap, generally around five years from the year of manufacture for used passenger cars, though this has changed over time. Our team confirms the exact current rule for your vehicle type before we source anything.
How much does it cost to import a car from Japan to Trinidad & Tobago?: Taxes typically include approximately 30% import duty, around 25% excise (varying by engine size and type), and 12.5% VAT on the CIF value. Combined, this adds substantially to the car's auction price. Our team quotes the exact landed cost before you commit.
Do I need an import licence to bring a car into T&T?: Yes. An import licence is required before the car enters the country. Our team handles the licence application as part of the sourcing process so you do not have to navigate the paperwork alone.
How long does shipping from Japan to Port of Spain take?: Ocean freight from Japan to the Port of Spain typically takes several weeks, followed by customs clearing. Our team provides the exact sailing schedule and tracking once the car is booked onto a vessel.