Import Informationfor Other Countries
• Cyprus: Customs & Excise
• European Commission: Enterprise & Industry
• Fiji: LTA
• Finland: AKE, TULLI
• Hong Kong: Customs & Excise
• Ireland: Citizens Information
• Jamaica: Jamaica Customs, Trade Board,Import Policy
• Malaysia: MITI
• Malta: ADTVCA
• Namibia: MTIOrbit
• New Zealand: Land Transport NZ, MAF
• Philippines: Bureau of Customs
• Singapore: One Motoring
• Sri Lanka: Customs
• Sweden: Customs, Bilprovningen, Swedish Transport Agency
• Tanzania: TRA
• UK: Vehicle Importing
Preparing To Import
Be aware that every country has specific laws regarding the age, engine size, model etc. of used vehicles that are allowed for import. Information for some individual countries can be found at Destinations. It is important to do the research beforehand, to save yourself from headaches, paying fines, or even possibly being denied your vehicle after it has arrived in your country.
Pre-shipment Inspection
Some countries require the car passes an inspection before it’s shipped. For example, the Japan Auto Appraisal Institute (JAAI) inspection is required by Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and others. The inspector will come to the port and inspect your vehicle before it is loaded on the ship. The certificate is mailed to the exporter, and couriered to the buyer with the other required documents.
Usual Required Documents
All the required documents will be sent to the buyer after the vehicles are on the ship.
• Export Certificate
• English Translation of Export Certificate
• Invoice or Bill of Sale
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• JAAI Certificate
Shipping
After the vehicles clear customs, they are loaded on the next available ship to their destination. There are monthly shipments to most destinations by Pure Car Carriers, which are ships where the vehicles are driven on and off. This type of shipping is known as Roll On/Roll Off, or abbreviated as RO/RO. The other option is container shipping, where the vehicles are loaded into containers, and secured for shipment. The container shipments go to most destinations more frequently, but cost more per vehicle in most cases.
Arrival at Port
Once the vehicles arrive at the port of destination the buyer will receive notice of the shipment’s arrival from the port authority or broker if you are using one. Take the original Bill of Lading, along with the other required documents to the port and follow their instructions to take possession of your vehicle. You will be required to pay duty, taxes and other fees and fill in all of the required customs forms. You may also have to complete a vehicle inspection and or get temporary registration. Inquire at the port authority as to any additional procedures that may be necessary.
It is advisable to hire an import agent/broker to handle the import procedures, as it can be a very time consuming and confusing process.
Please contact us for further information.
