Japanese Used Cars for Dominica - Import Rules & Shipping

Dominica's current Customs charges apply across several vehicle-age bands rather than using the old 5-year maximum previously shown on this website.

Effective October 1, 2025, the published Environmental Surcharge for motor vehicles is:

This means vehicle age can have a significant effect on landed cost, even where the vehicle can otherwise be imported.

Kaede Trading can help confirm the manufacture year and vehicle details before purchase so the customer can obtain an accurate local duty estimate.

Dominica Customs assesses duties and taxes using the vehicle's Customs Value, which generally includes the vehicle cost, insurance and shipping.

Under the 2025/26 changes, the published excise-tax rates for passenger vehicles and goods vehicles are:

• Vehicles 10 years or less: 25%
• Vehicles over 10 years: 28%

Import Duty, Customs Service Charge, VAT and any applicable concessions depend on the vehicle classification and Customs Procedure Code. For that reason, we recommend obtaining a current landed-cost calculation from Dominica Customs or a licensed customs broker using the exact vehicle and CIF value.

Documents generally used for importing a vehicle into Dominica include:

• Commercial / supplier invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Japanese Export Certificate / ownership documentation
• Proof of payment where requested
• Insurance certificate where applicable
• Bill of sale or other ownership evidence where applicable
• Import permit or licence where required for the particular vehicle
• Other supporting documents requested by Dominica Customs

Kaede Trading provides the applicable Japanese export and shipping documents. Local Customs declarations and clearance should be handled by the importer or their licensed customs broker.

Dominica uses the ASYCUDAWORLD system for Customs clearance. Commercial imports are cleared using the Single Administrative Document (SAD).

1. Shipping documents are collected from the local shipping agent and the applicable local charges are paid.
2. A licensed customs broker or authorized tariff clerk prepares and submits the Customs declaration through ASYCUDAWORLD.
3. Customs assesses the declaration and the applicable duties and taxes are paid.
4. Customs may conduct a documentary check and/or physical examination depending on the assigned clearance channel.
5. Once Customs requirements are satisfied, a Customs Release Order is generated.
6. The release is processed with the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) so the vehicle can be released from the port.

Private individuals importing higher-value goods may also be required to use a licensed customs broker under Dominica Customs rules.

Vehicle cargo for Dominica is commonly handled through Woodbridge Bay Port at Fond Cole, near Roseau.

Kaede Trading can arrange export shipping from Japan according to current carrier availability. Depending on the vehicle and available service, RoRo or container shipping may be possible.

Shipping lines, vessel schedules, transit times and freight rates change during the year, so we provide current quotations rather than publishing a fixed shipping line or transit time.

For trucks, vans and larger commercial vehicles, please provide the vehicle dimensions and weight where available so that we can check the most suitable shipping option.

Kaede Trading is based in Japan and can source used vehicles through Japanese auctions and other domestic suppliers.

Before bidding for a Dominica-bound vehicle, we can help review the auction sheet, manufacture year, condition and important vehicle specifications.

Where appropriate, an independent pre-bid inspection can also be arranged in Japan to check important vehicle details beyond the auction sheet.

Because older vehicles are subject to substantially higher environmental surcharges in Dominica, we recommend considering the expected landed cost before bidding.