Jamaica Motor Vehicle Import Permit Procedures

Jamaica Motor Vehicle Import Permit Procedures

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Jamaica Motor Vehicle Import Permit Procedures

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

○  Individuals may import a combination of 2 motor vehicles every three (3) years, except 2 motor cars, and must either be a:

■  Jamaican Resident
■  Child of Jamaican Parentage
■  Spouse of a Jamaican
■  Returning Resident
■  Contract Officer or
■  Holder of a Work Permit

○  Businesses importing motor vehicles fall into two categories:

■  Non-dealer companies                                  Allowed more than three (3) Motor Vehicles every three (3) years
■  Certified Motor Vehicle Dealers                     Allowed any category and quantity for resale.

Step 2: Assess the Age of Vehicle Restriction

The age of the vehicle at importation is as follows:

○ Motor Cycles:                                                    not more than five years

○ Motor Cars:                                                        not more than six (6) years

○ Light Commercial Vehicles:                               ranging between 6 – 10 years, depending on the type of vehicle

○ Motor Vehicles by Returning Residents:          not more than ten (10) years ping to Jamaica

○ Motor Vehicles for *Special Purpose:              not more than ten (10) years

○ Commercial Vehicles:                                        ranging between 12 – 30 years, depending on the type of vehicle

○Heavy-Duty Commercial Equipment:              not more than thirty (30) years

*Special Purpose Motor Vehicles include Ambulances, Hearses, Fire Trucks, and Vehicles built to accommodate the Physically Challenged.

Step 3: Purchase Vehicle

Step 4: Apply for Pre-Shipment Inspection (including Sanitization)

Contact Autoterminal Japan Limited (ATJ) via http://inspections.jp/. (However, this is only applicable to imported used cars from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom).

Step 5: Apply for a Permit

The application must be made electronically via www.jswift.gov.jm by entering the vehicle information, attaching the following documents, and making payment:

1. Invoice from Supplier or The Bill of Sale
2. Registration Certificate, Certificate of Title, or Japanese Export license detailing Model, Year, VIN, Colour, Seating Capacity, Unladen Weight, etc.
3. One type of Valid Identification and proof of Citizenship. For example:
   ○ Passport (bio-data page)
   ○ Driver’s Licence (both sides)
   ○ National Identification Card (both sides)
4. Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
5. Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) Certificate – only for used vehicles

Processing Fees

• Import Permit Fee        J$6,325.00
• Amendment Fee            J$2,875.50
• Permit Print Out Fee    J$1,150.00

Step 7: Check the Application Status

Periodically review the application for approval or query via https://www.jswift.gov.jm.

Processing time: 3 working days.

Step 8: Proceed to the Jamaica Customs Agency when the permit is ready.

Permits must be obtained before the vehicle arrives in Jamaica.

For more information contact https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/MV_General.php.

Effective February 1, 2018, all vehicles being shipped to Jamaica from designated countries will undergo a Pre-shipment Inspection before an import permit is issued by The Trade Board Limited (TBL).

What is Pre-shipment Inspection?

The pre-shipment inspection is a coordinated procedure carried out on a particular product to ensure its quality before shipment. Pre-shipment inspection is not unique to Jamaica and is one of the many quality control measures used by countries to ensure the product meets the requisite standards before shipment. Additionally, The Purpose of Pre-shipment Inspection for Used Motor Vehicles.

The primary purpose of a PSI inspection is to ensure that all used motor vehicles including heavy-duty equipment conform to the motor vehicle import policy while ensuring Jamaica’s biosecurity. In the context of shipping motor vehicles, such as inspecting cars before shipping to Jamaica, PSI ensures that the motor vehicles are in good condition, in compliance with standards, and ready for a smooth journey.

With the implementation of the pre-shipment regime, it became mandatory for all used motor vehicles being imported from designated countries to undergo a pre-shipment/sanitization inspection, before The Trade Board Limited issues an import permission.

What type of vehicles requires inspection/sanitization?

Generally, Any used motor vehicle being exported to Jamaica is subject to a pre-shipment inspection. Also, This includes heavy-duty trucks and equipment.

What documentation do I need to supply?

Importers wishing to obtain a Pre-shipment Inspection must have the following documents before the vehicle arrives at the pre-shipment facility:

From the United States USA – Title

For more information

https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/document/Pre-ShipmentInspectionCriteria.pdf.

PSI centres in the USA

https://jamaicapsi.com/services/WHERE-ARE-THE-PSI-CENTERS.

David Mitchell

David is a seasoned logistics coordinator at Miami Auto Shippers. With over a decade of experience, he excels in organizing the smooth and efficient transportation of vehicles. He’s known for his attention to detail and ensuring every car reaches its destination safely.