Japanese Used Cars for Jamaica - Import Rules & Shipping

Jamaica applies different maximum vehicle ages according to vehicle type, seating capacity and unladen weight. The following limits are based on the current Jamaica Trade Board Motor Vehicle Import Policy.

Important: Do not rely only on the registration year shown in an auction listing. Vehicle classification, model year, seating capacity and unladen weight can affect eligibility. Kaede Trading can check these details before you bid or purchase.

Used vehicles exported from Japan to Jamaica require a valid Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC). Auto Terminal Japan Ltd. (ATJ) is the authorized inspection provider.

The inspection includes checks relating to vehicle identity and age, odometer information, roadworthiness, previous structural or flood damage, tyre condition, vehicle weight where applicable and contamination requirements.

Published fees effective June 1, 2026:

• Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI): USD 187
• Vehicle Sanitization: USD 75

A used vehicle imported from Japan without the required PSI certificate may be subject to a USD 500 verification fee in Jamaica, in addition to possible delays or other consequences.

Kaede Trading can coordinate the ATJ inspection process in Japan as part of the export arrangements.

Motor vehicles require an import permit from the Jamaica Trade Board Limited. Permit applications are submitted electronically through Jamaica's Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT).

Documents commonly required for the import permit include:

• Supplier invoice or bill of sale
• Japanese Export Certificate / vehicle ownership document
• Valid identification and required proof of status
• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
• Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) for used vehicles

For Customs clearance, documents generally include:

• Approved import licence
• Title / Japanese Export Certificate
• Bill of Lading
• Supplier invoice
• Tax Compliance Certificate where applicable
• Customs declaration prepared by a licensed Customs Broker
• Any other documents requested by Jamaica Customs for the particular import

Jamaica prohibits the importation of vehicles considered to be in a damaged or salvaged state.

There is no single duty percentage that applies to every vehicle imported into Jamaica. Customs charges can vary according to factors such as vehicle classification, engine capacity, fuel type, CIF value, importer category and whether the importer qualifies for a concession.

Jamaica Customs generally assesses import charges using the CIF value - Cost, Insurance and Freight. We recommend obtaining a current duty estimate from a licensed Jamaican Customs Broker or Jamaica Customs before making a final purchase decision.

Kaede Trading arranges vehicle export shipping from Japan to Kingston, Jamaica. Depending on the vehicle and available service, shipment may be arranged by RoRo or container.

Vessel schedules, shipping lines, transit times and freight rates change throughout the year. For this reason, we provide customers with current shipping information and freight quotations instead of publishing a fixed shipping time or shipping line.

For trucks and commercial vehicles, please send us the model, year, dimensions, unladen weight and loading capacity where available so that we can check both Jamaica eligibility and the most suitable shipping option.

Kaede Trading is based in Japan and can source vehicles through Japanese used-car auctions and other domestic suppliers. Before bidding for a Jamaica-bound vehicle, we can help check the auction sheet, vehicle specification and key Jamaica import requirements.

Vehicles frequently requested from Japan include Toyota Probox, Toyota Aqua, Toyota Voxy/Noah, Honda Vezel, Honda Fit/Shuttle, Toyota Hiace, pickups and commercial trucks.

Because Jamaica's age limits vary by vehicle category and weight, please ask us to confirm eligibility before placing an auction bid.