How To Ship A Car To Jamaica: Your Guide

We may earn affiliate fees for purchases using our links (at no additional cost to you)

Shipping a car to Jamaica involves several key steps, including finding a reliable company, choosing a shipping method, handling detailed paperwork, understanding complex import regulations, and paying various fees like customs duty. Navigating this process successfully requires careful planning and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through how to import a car to Jamaica, covering everything from finding vehicle shipping companies to calculating the final cost.

How To Ship A Car To Jamaica
Image Source: www.dantful.com

Planning Your Car Shipment to Jamaica

Sending a car to Jamaica takes time and effort. Starting early helps avoid problems and extra costs. Think about why you are shipping the car. Are you moving back? Buying a car abroad? This affects the rules you must follow.

Breaking Down the Shipping Process

The journey for your car has several stages. Knowing these steps helps you prepare.

Find a Shipper: Look for companies that ship cars to the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica.
Get Quotes: Ask several companies for car shipping costs to Jamaica. Compare prices and services.
Choose a Method: Decide if RORO or container shipping is right for you.
Prepare the Car: Get the car ready for its trip. This means cleaning it and checking fluid levels.
Handle Paperwork: Gather all the required documents ship car to Jamaica.
Drop Off or Pickup: Take the car to the port or have the shipper pick it up.
Shipping Time: The car travels across the sea.
Arrival in Jamaica: The car gets to the port.
Customs Clearance: You must clear the car through Jamaica Customs. This involves inspection and paying fees like customs duty on cars in Jamaica.
Pick Up: Once cleared, you can get your car.

Choosing How to Ship Your Car

There are two main ways to send a car across the ocean: Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) and container shipping. Each has its pros and cons.

Grasping RORO Shipping to Jamaica

RORO is often the simplest and cheapest way to ship a car that drives.

How it Works: You drive the car onto a large ship built like a parking garage. The car is secured inside. At the destination, the car is driven off.
Pros:
- Usually costs less than container shipping.
- Easy process if your car runs and drives well.
- Ships sail often from major ports.
Cons:
- Your car must be empty, except for factory-fitted items. You cannot pack personal things inside.
- Less protection from weather or theft compared to a container.
- Only works for vehicles that can move on their own power.

RORO is a good choice if you are shipping a standard car and want to save money. Many vehicle shipping companies to Jamaica offer RORO service.

Fathoming Container Shipping Car Jamaica

Container shipping puts your car inside a metal box. This box is then loaded onto a ship.

How it Works: Your car is driven or lifted into a container. It is tied down to keep it secure. The container is sealed. It can be shared with other cars (shared container) or just hold your car (sole container).
Pros:
- More security. The car is inside a sealed box.
- Better protection from weather.
- You might be able to pack some items inside the car or container (check with the shipper about rules and limits).
- Good for cars that do not run, luxury cars, or cars that need extra care.
Cons:
- Costs more than RORO shipping.
- Can take a little longer due to loading and unloading containers.

Container shipping is better if you need more security, want to ship extra items (check rules first), or have a high-value or non-running vehicle.

Looking Closely at Shipping Costs

Knowing the car shipping costs to Jamaica upfront is important. The total cost includes more than just the shipping fee.

Main Parts of Shipping Costs

Here are the typical costs you will face:

Ocean Freight: This is the main fee paid to the shipping company to move the car across the sea. The price depends on the size of your car, the shipping method (RORO or Container), and where it ships from.
Origin Port Fees: Fees charged at the port where the car starts its journey.
Destination Port Fees: Fees charged at the port in Jamaica (usually Kingston). These can include terminal handling and storage.
Marine Insurance: Covers your car if something happens during the sea voyage. It’s usually a percentage of the car’s value.
Customs Duty and Taxes: This is a big part of the cost in Jamaica. It’s paid to the Jamaican government.
Processing Fees: Fees for paperwork and handling by agents.
Inland Transport: Cost to get the car to the departure port and from the arrival port (if you don’t do it yourself).

A simple table showing cost factors:

Cost Factor	What It Is	How It Varies
Ocean Freight	Moving car by sea	Car size, method (RORO/Container), route
Port Fees (Origin)	Handling car at starting port	Specific port charges
Port Fees (Jamaica)	Handling car at Kingston port	Specific port charges, storage time
Insurance	Protecting car during transit	Car value, coverage level
Customs Duty/Taxes	Fees to Jamaican government	Car value, age, engine size, type
Agent Fees	Help with paperwork/clearance	Agent’s rates
Inland Transport	Getting car to/from ports	Distance, vehicle type, transport company

Figuring Out Customs Duty on Cars in Jamaica

This is often the most complex and costly part. Customs duty on cars in Jamaica is not a single rate. It depends on several things the Jamaican Customs Agency checks:

Value of the Car: Customs uses a value called the “Common External Tariff (CET) Value” or often the current market value, not always what you paid for it.
Age of the Car: Newer cars often have higher duty rates. There are strict rules on how old a car can be to be imported.
Engine Size: Cars with larger engines usually have higher duty rates.
Type of Vehicle: Different rules apply to cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.

The duty structure can include:

Customs Duty (CD)
Additional Stamp Duty (ASD)
Special Consumption Tax (SCT)
General Consumption Tax (GCT)
Environmental Levy
Import Entry Fee

These taxes are added one after another, making the total tax amount quite high. Customs has specific formulas for calculating these. It’s very hard to know the exact amount before the car is assessed by Customs in Jamaica.

Helpful Tip: The Jamaica Customs Agency website is the best place for the most current duty rates and calculation methods. It can be complex, so many people use a customs broker in Jamaica to help.

Navigating Jamaica’s Car Import Rules

Jamaica has clear Jamaica car import regulations. You must follow these rules, or your car might not be allowed in or could cost you more.

Age Limits for Imported Cars

This is a very important rule.

Used Motor Cars (Sedans, Hatchbacks, etc.): Must be no older than 5 years. The age is counted from the year of manufacture. For example, if it’s 2024, the car must be made in 2019 or later.
Used Light Commercial Vehicles (Pick-ups, Panel Vans, etc.): Must be no older than 6 years.
Used Buses:
- Passenger buses (seats 15 or more): No older than 10 years.
- Other buses: No older than 15 years.
Used Motorcycles: No older than 5 years.

There are some exceptions, like for classic cars, but these are rare and need special permission.

Other Key Regulations

Right-Hand Drive: Vehicles imported for use on public roads must be Right-Hand Drive (RHD). Jamaica drives on the left side of the road. Left-Hand Drive (LHD) cars might be allowed only for specific purposes (like use on private property) and require special permits.
Condition: The car should be in good working order and meet safety standards. Jamaica Customs might inspect the car.
Import License: You need an import license from the Trade Board Limited in Jamaica before the car arrives. This is a critical step.
Returning Residents: Jamaican citizens returning to live in Jamaica after being abroad for a certain time (usually 3 years or more) might get special waivers on import duty for one vehicle. Check the specific rules and eligibility criteria with the Ministry of Finance or Jamaica Customs, as they can change.

Gathering Required Documents Ship Car to Jamaica

Paperwork is key. Missing or incorrect documents will cause delays and possibly extra costs. Make sure you have all these ready before you ship.

Essential Document List

Here are the documents you will generally need:

Import Permit/License: Issued by the Trade Board Limited in Jamaica. You must get this before the car arrives.
Title of Ownership: The original document showing you own the car. Make sure your name is on it.
Bill of Sale/Commercial Invoice: Shows the price you paid for the car.
Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company. It’s like a ticket for your car’s journey. Shows details of the shipment.
Vehicle Registration Certificate: Current registration from the country you are shipping from.
De-registration Certificate (if applicable): If the car is no longer registered in the origin country.
Proof of Identity: Passport is usually required. If you are a returning resident, you will need proof of your status.
Tax Registration Number (TRN): Your Jamaican TRN is needed for customs clearance.
Valuation Documentation: Any documents showing the car’s value (purchase invoice, appraisal).
Police Certificate: From the country of origin, stating the car is not stolen. Required for used vehicles.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar compliance document: Proving the car meets environmental standards (often relating to emissions). Standards vary by origin country (e.g., US EPA, European standards).
Returning Resident Status Letter (if applicable): From the Ministry of Finance in Jamaica, if you are claiming this benefit.

Important: This list can change. Always check the latest requirements with Jamaica Customs and the Trade Board Limited well before you ship. Using a customs broker in Jamaica can be very helpful as they know exactly which documents are needed and the latest rules.

Shipping Car from USA to Jamaica

The USA is a common place to ship cars from to Jamaica. Many vehicle shipping companies to Jamaica operate from major US ports.

What to Know When Shipping from the USA

Major Ports: Common departure ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and New York. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are often the busiest routes to the Caribbean.
Shipping Time: Transit time from the East Coast of the USA to Jamaica (Kingston) is usually 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the specific port and service.
Export Regulations: You must follow US export rules. This involves submitting information through the Automated Export System (AES). Your shipping company or a customs broker can help with this. You typically need the car’s title and your ID.
Readiness: The car must be clean inside and out (Customs checks for dirt/soil). Fuel tank should be low (about 1/4 full).
Documentation: Ensure your US title is clear (not salvage, rebuilt, etc.) and in your name.

Many US-based shipping companies specialize in Caribbean routes. Look for ones with good reviews and experience shipping car from USA to Jamaica.

Shipping a Car from UK to Jamaica

Shipping a car from the UK involves a longer sea journey and different origin rules.

What to Know When Shipping from the UK

Major Ports: Common departure ports include Southampton, Felixstowe, and Tilbury.
Shipping Time: Transit time from the UK to Jamaica is typically 3 to 5 weeks.
Export Regulations: You need to handle UK export paperwork. The shipping company usually manages the customs export declaration. You’ll need the V5C (log book) and potentially proof of identity.
Readiness: Similar to shipping from the US, the car should be clean, with low fuel.
Right-Hand Drive: Cars from the UK are already Right-Hand Drive, which meets Jamaica’s requirement.

Find UK-based vehicle shipping companies to Jamaica that have regular services to the Caribbean.

Selecting Vehicle Shipping Companies to Jamaica

Choosing the right company is vital for a smooth process. Don’t just pick the cheapest option.

What to Look for in a Shipper

Experience: How long have they been shipping cars to Jamaica? Do they know the route and the destination port?
Licenses and Insurance: Are they properly licensed? Do they offer marine insurance? What does the insurance cover?
Reviews and Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for references. What do past customers say about their service?
Transparency: Are their quotes clear? Do they explain all potential fees? Are they easy to contact?
Services Offered: Do they offer both RORO and container shipping? Do they handle pickup from your location? Can they help with paperwork or recommend a customs broker in Jamaica?

Get quotes from at least three different vehicle shipping companies to Jamaica. Compare the total estimated cost, not just the base shipping fee. Read the contract carefully before you sign.

The Car’s Arrival and Customs Clearance in Jamaica

Once your car reaches the port in Kingston, the next major step is getting it cleared by Jamaica Customs.

What Happens Upon Arrival

Notification: The shipping company or their agent in Jamaica will tell you the car has arrived.
Unloading and Port Storage: The car is taken off the ship and held at the port terminal. Storage fees start adding up quickly, so clearing the car fast is important.
Customs Examination: Jamaica Customs officers will inspect the car. They check its details (VIN, engine number, make, model, year) against the documents. They also assess its condition and value for calculating duties.

The Customs Clearance Process

Clearing customs can be complex. Many people hire a licensed customs broker in Jamaica to handle this.

Submit Documents: You or your broker submit all the required documents (Bill of Lading, Title, Import Permit, Invoice, TRN, etc.) to Jamaica Customs.
Customs Assessment: Customs reviews the documents and examines the car to decide the value and calculate the customs duty on cars in Jamaica and other taxes.
Pay Duties and Taxes: You pay the calculated amount to Jamaica Customs.
Get Release Order: Once paid, Customs issues a release order.
Pay Port Fees: Pay any outstanding port storage and handling fees.
Pick Up Car: Present the release order and port payment receipts to pick up your car from the port.

Remember: Delays in providing documents or paying fees will result in storage charges at the port, which can be expensive.

Important Considerations and Tips

To make the process easier, keep these points in mind.

Plan Ahead: Start researching rules, getting quotes, and gathering documents months before you plan to ship.
Know the Rules: Carefully read the Jamaica car import regulations on the official Trade Board and Customs websites. Rules can change.
Get Detailed Quotes: Ask for a breakdown of all estimated costs from the shipping company and factor in the potential customs duty on cars in Jamaica.
Consider Insurance: Make sure you have enough marine insurance to cover the car’s value during transit.
Clean Your Car: Both origin and destination ports may require the car to be clean to prevent spreading pests or diseases.
Remove Personal Items: Do not leave personal belongings in the car if using RORO. Even with container shipping, declare anything packed and be aware of restrictions.
Check the VIN: Double-check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on all your documents matches the car exactly.
Hire a Broker: Using a licensed customs broker in Jamaica is highly recommended. They guide you through the clearance process and help avoid costly mistakes.

Common Questions About Shipping a Car to Jamaica

Here are answers to questions people often ask.

Can I ship any car to Jamaica?

No. You must follow Jamaica car import regulations, especially age limits. Cars older than 5 years (for standard cars) are generally not allowed, with some exceptions for other vehicle types or special cases like classic cars. The car must also usually be Right-Hand Drive.

How long does it take to ship a car to Jamaica?

The sea voyage itself typically takes 1 to 5 weeks, depending on where you are shipping from (e.g., 1-3 weeks from the US East Coast, 3-5 weeks from the UK). The total time from handing the car over to picking it up in Jamaica can be longer, including time for port handling and customs clearance. Allow at least 4-8 weeks for the entire process.

What are the main costs when shipping a car to Jamaica?

The main costs are the ocean freight (paid to the shipping company), port fees (at both ends), marine insurance, and significantly, the customs duty on cars in Jamaica and other related taxes/fees paid to the government. You might also pay for inland transport and a customs broker.

What documents do I need to ship and import the car?

You will need many documents, including the Import Permit from the Trade Board, Title of Ownership, Bill of Sale, Bill of Lading, Registration Certificate, Proof of Identity (Passport, TRN), and sometimes a Police Certificate and environmental compliance proof. A full list of required documents ship car to Jamaica should be confirmed with Jamaica Customs and the Trade Board.

Should I use RORO shipping to Jamaica or container shipping?

This depends on your needs and budget. RORO shipping to Jamaica is often cheaper and good for standard, running vehicles. Container shipping car Jamaica costs more but offers better security and protection, and might allow shipping personal items (check rules) or be necessary for non-running or high-value cars.

Is it worth shipping a car, or should I buy one in Jamaica?

This depends on the car’s value, age, the shipping and import costs, and your status (like if you qualify as a returning resident for duty waivers). For older or lower-value cars, the customs duty on cars in Jamaica and shipping costs might make it more expensive than buying locally. For newer, higher-value, or special cars, or if you get duty waivers, shipping might be a better option. Research the cost of comparable cars in Jamaica before deciding.

Conclusion

Shipping a car to Jamaica is a multi-step process that demands careful planning and attention to Jamaica car import regulations and required paperwork. From selecting among vehicle shipping companies to Jamaica and choosing between RORO shipping to Jamaica or container shipping car Jamaica, to understanding the complex calculation of customs duty on cars in Jamaica and preparing all the required documents ship car to Jamaica, each phase is important. Whether you are shipping car from USA to Jamaica or shipping a car from UK to Jamaica, knowing the process and potential car shipping costs to Jamaica will help you navigate the journey successfully and get your vehicle onto Jamaican roads. Starting early, staying organized, and potentially using a local customs broker are key steps for a smoother experience.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.