FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping to Jamaica
What documents do I need to ship a car to Jamaica?
Speaking with an AES agent will help you understand the full requirements for your vehicle. You can expect to require the following:
· Import License issued by the Trade Board Limited
· Title issued to the owner from the country in which it was purchased
· Bill of Lading obtained by the shipping agent
· Commercial invoice from the supplier
· Bill of Sight which details the vehicle being imported (signed by broker and customs)
· Tax compliance received by the Tax Administration Services Department
· Import entry form C87
Our agents will help you understand these documents further and facilitate the process of retrieving them to ensure a hassle-free import when your vehicle arrives at customs. We also have connections locally that allow our team and your vehicle to avoid any extraneous charges or treatment.
Are there rules relating to vehicle age when importing to Jamaica?
Yes, and the rules depend on the vehicles purpose.
First, you are limited to two cars shipping to Jamaica in a span of three years. This applies to residents of Jamaica who have left the country for some amount of time. Shipping new cars to Jamaica causes the least difficulty. For used cars, the age of the vehicle cannot be more than 3 years if it’s for personal use. It cannot be older than 4 years if it’s for commercial use.
For heavy equipment, the age limit is 10 years.
If you plan to sell the vehicle, you will have to wait at least 1 year after it is registered in the country. If the vehicle is damaged for any reason, that waiting period increases to 3 years.
What taxes should I anticipate when shipping to Jamaica?
Taxes and tariffs are directly linked to engine power and/or weight. The duty percentage ranges between 67% and 180% depending on the engine’s cc rating and fuel intake (gasoline or diesel).
Please note that if you do not obtain an import license, you can be fined up to 3x the value of the vehicle.
How long does it take to ship a car to Jamaica from the US?
The total time depends on your preparation, season, customs, and acceptance upon arrival. From Miami, it takes a ship at least 3 days to travel to Jamaica. However, prior to shipping, you will need to prepare your vehicle for freight. This means cleaning, preparing paperwork, and securing your freight service well in advance. Because of these factors, the time you might remain away from using your car is extended.
What is the cheapest option for shipping a car to Jamaica?
RORO is the most economical method of shipping a car to Jamaica. Just as the name implies, the car rolls on for departure and rolls off when the ship arrives. We recommend insurance for this type of delivery. While it may be the cheapest option, it is not exactly the safest option against damage to your vehicle. This is because RORO is open-air shipping, and your vehicle is onboard with several other vehicles of various values and sizes. Carriers have very little liability with this type of shipping.
RORO is a great option for non-consumer vehicles. If you are transporting agricultural or industrial machinery and vehicles, then RORO is one of the most suitable options available.
Container shipping is a great option for high-value vehicles and for better overall protection. This is especially true when you have exclusive use to the container (as opposed to a shared container). However, not all vehicles can fit in a container. The cost of the container is slightly higher, as well.