GENERAL INFORMATION

Import license applications are processed within twenty-four (24) hours. You can assist us speedily process your application by completing all relevant sections on the application form and submitting all the required supporting documentation.

Applications from Companies must bear the Company’s Seal and signed by an authorized Officer of the Company.

Fees are applicable for the services we provide and a schedule is shown on Pages 9 & 10, of this Booklet, for your information. All fees are non-refundable.

All import licenses (except for approved Motor Vehicle Dealers) will be claused against the sale of the unit for a period of one (1) year.

WARNING

ANYONE WHO IMPORTS ANY MOTOR VEHICLE WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A VALID IMPORT PERMIT WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE EQUIVALENT TO THREE (3) TIMES THE VALUE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE PLUS SEIZURE OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE.

THE REVISED MOTOR VEHICLE IMPORT POLICY PROVIDES FOR IMPORTATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES UNDER THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

- INDIVIDUALS

- COMPANIES/BUSINESS

New and used motor vehicles may be imported - The used vehicle must not be more than four (4) years for motor cars and five (5) years for light commercial vehicles at the time of importation.

A. INDIVIDUALS

Who May Import?

1. Any Jamaican 18 years old and over whether resident in Jamaica or over-seas may apply to the Trade Board Limited to import two (2) motor vehicles every three (3) years. This may include a motor car and a light commercial unit or two (2) light commercial units.
2. Any non-Jamaican over 18 years old may import as at (1) above, upon proof of landed immigration status i.e. Work Permit or letter of authorization from the Ministry of National Security and Justice Immigration Office.

N.B. Individuals with Duty Concession

Any individual eligible for duty concession MUST obtain an Order & Clearance Permit in his/her name and submit to the Trade Board Limited, along with the Ministry of Finance concession letter.

PROCEDURE FOR IMPORTATION

1. Purchase your order clearance permit and complete in triplicate to the Trade Board Ltd. along with the following supported documents:-

• Pro-Forma Invoice in applicant’s name (if the vehicle is not already owned by the Importer) detailing model, accessories and c.i.f. value, OR registration document of vehicle (if vehicle is already owned).

• Two (2) valid forms of identification, from the list which should be clear copies required:-
  • Passport - pages 1-5 of Jamaican
  • Other passport - page 1 up to expiry date
  • Driver’s License - both sides
  • National Voter’s Registration Card - both sides

• Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) - both sides

• Where applicable, copy Work Permit and / or other documentary proof of landed immigration status in Jamaica.

2. The Order & Clearance Permit is processed and then collected.

3. The importer orders and lands his vehicle at port of entry.

Where an applicant is unable to collect their import permit, the Trade Board will facilitate delivery to a Registered Customs Broker, upon presentation of proper identification, or to a named individual with a letter of authorization from the applicant with valid identification.

4. Clearance is effected at Customs after verification of the Order & Clearance Permit by the Trade Board Limited.

Local companies may import new and used motor vehicles for their company’s private use.

1. Importer’s Number

In order to obtain an Order & Clearance Permit each company must be in possession of an

Importer’s Number which is obtained from the Trade Board Limited.

Applications for an Importer’s Number must be submitted with:-

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
• First & Last pages of Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Letter stating the nature of the business
• Documentary proof of N.I.S. and Income T.R.N numbers
• A fee of $1,500.00 is payable

2. Import Permit

Applications for an Order & Clearance Permit must be submitted with:-

• Pro-Forma Invoice (s) for the vehicle to be imported;
• Proof of legal status (e.g. Certificate of Incorporation)

Any company eligible a duty concession MUST obtain an Order & Clearance Permit in the Company’s name and produce documentary proof of such concession to the Trade Board at the time of application.

Approved Motor Vehicle Dealers may import new and used motor vehicles for the retail trade.

The used motor vehicle can be of any model.

* An Approved motor Vehicle Dealer is one who represents a specific make (s) of vehicle (s) and is contracted to an overseas manufacturer. These Dealers are approved and certified by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Technology.

Effective January 1, 1996 and annually thereafter all approved dealers will be inspected and re-certified at a fee of $60,000.00 per annum.

The approved Used Car Dealer may import any make or model of used motor vehicles for the retail trade. The Used Car Dealer will be subject to n annual inspection and a fee of $60,000.00 per annum charged for Certification.

• Be registered under the company’s act;
• Have a permanent address and location approved by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Technology;
• Be registered with:-

• General Consumption Tax (G.C.T.)
• National Housing Trust (N.H.T.)
• National Insurance Scheme (N.I.S.)
• Income Tax Department

• Stock Spare parts of 15% of inventory and provide other related services;
• Offer ninety (90) days expressed warranty on each unit sold and be aware of his obligations of implied warranty under the Fair Competition Act (FCA). Warranty should cover engine, transmission, differential, steering gear, drive train and front-end parts;

A motor vehicle is considered USED if the odometer is registering over three thousand miles (3,000) 4827 km, pre-owned by a third party and over six (6) months old.

1. For new vehicles, the Importers’ dealer Pro-Forma Invoice price will be accepted, providing the c.i.f. value is in keeping with the manufacturer’s established price list.

2. For used vehicles, a depreciated value will be determined by reference to the Glass’s Guide / N.A.D.A. Book.

All prospective importers of Classic/Antique /Limited Edition Motor Vehicles MUST obtain an import permit prior to arrival of the vehicle. Each application must be supported by the Jamaican Classic Car Club, along with documentary proof that the unit falls into definition an categories as follows:-

• The car has design that separate it from the common car;
• The car has engineering elements that separate it from the common car;
• The car is either in limited production or is no longer in production;
• The car has particular features and characteristics that attract investors worldwide;
• The car can be any age;

U-Drive/ Car Rental Companies may import new or used right hand drive motor vehicles only for use in their operation.

An import permit is NOT  required for individuals/companies seeking to import heavy-duty Trucks or Trailers. However, imports MUST FIRST  obtain written permission from the Island Traffic Authority, BEFORE  importing the unit(s).

All vehicles originating in countries where they drive on the right must:

• modify their units for passenger to enter / exit on the curbside of the road;
• modify the beam of the headlamps to reflect down on the left horizontal plane or up and down on the horizontal plane or up and down on the vertical plane;

in keeping with the Road Traffic Act and Regulations.

AGGREGATE DUTY STRUCTURE