Japanese Used Cars for Suriname – Import Rules & Shipping

Suriname prohibits the importation of used passenger vehicles that are older than eight years. Used vehicles designed to carry ten or more persons, including the driver, are generally prohibited once they are more than 15 years old.

Limited exceptions exist. These include qualifying vehicles that have formed part of a remigrant's household effects for more than two years, as well as qualifying collector vehicles more than 35 years old.

Because vehicle eligibility changes as vehicles become older, customers should confirm the manufacture or construction year before bidding or purchasing a vehicle in Japan.

Used passenger vehicles are subject to Suriname's import-control rules. Where an import permit is required, it must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped.

Import permits are handled through the Invoer, Uitvoer en Deviezen Controle (IUD) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The H-03 form is used for goods covered by the Negative List import-control system.

Customers should therefore arrange the required Suriname-side import approval before instructing Kaede Trading to ship the vehicle.

The amount of customs duty and tax payable on an imported vehicle depends on factors including the vehicle's HS tariff classification, engine capacity, powertrain and customs value.

Suriname Customs maintains a current online ASYCUDA tariff for passenger vehicles and other vehicle categories. Customers should use the current tariff classification or obtain a calculation from a Suriname customs broker before purchasing.

Suriname's VAT legislation also provides different treatment for certain vehicle categories. Some larger-engine or higher-value passenger vehicles can attract the higher VAT rate, while electric vehicles receive different treatment.

For this reason, Kaede Trading does not recommend relying on a single percentage to estimate the total import cost of every vehicle.

Suriname drives on the left side of the road, making many right-hand-drive Japanese domestic-market vehicles suitable from a steering-position perspective.

Vehicle age, import-permit requirements, customs classification and local registration requirements should still be checked before purchase.

The Dr. Jules Sedney Port of Paramaribo, formerly known as Nieuwe Haven, is Suriname's principal commercial seaport and handles a significant share of the country's international cargo.

Vehicle shipping from Japan may involve transshipment. Shipping lines, routes, sailing dates, transit times and freight rates can change, so Kaede Trading confirms the available shipping arrangement when preparing each quotation.

Document requirements can vary according to the importer and vehicle. Customers should normally keep the following available where applicable:

• Bill of Lading
• Commercial or final invoice
• Japanese Export / De-registration Certificate
• H-03 import permit where required
• Customs declaration and customs payment documents
• Proof of purchase or payment where requested
• Vehicle identification and registration documents
• Valid insurance for local road use
• Any additional documents requested by Suriname authorities

Kaede Trading can help you search Japanese vehicle auctions, review auction information, arrange an optional third-party pre-bid inspection when available, purchase the selected vehicle and coordinate export and shipping arrangements to Suriname.

Send us the make, model, year, engine size and budget you are looking for. Before shipment, please ensure that any required Suriname import permit has been obtained.