Import regulations on Japanese used vehicles in Antigua and Barbuda

Japan is a popular name when it comes to automobiles. People generally prefer to buy a Japanese vehicle as they get a quality vehicle at practical prices. In every segment, Japanese automakers are ruling. They are known for understanding the taste of automobile buyers very well. Along with new vehicles, even used vehicles from Japan are popular in many countries across the world. An advantage of buying a Japanese used car is quality assurance. Japanese vehicles are popular among masses because of their quality, reliability and fuel-efficiency.

Antigua and Barbuda lie in the eastern arc of the Leeward islands of the Lesser Antilles. Like many countries, large numbers of used vehicles are imported in Antigua and Barbuda from Japan. Every year, numbers of used vehicles imported to Antigua and Barbuda is increasing. While importing a used vehicle, importer should be aware of all import regulations for smooth customs clearance.

No inspection is required on used vehicle imported in Antigua and Barbuda. The country permits importation of right-hand drive vehicles. Importation of used and recondition vehicles older than five years in Antigua and Barbuda is prohibited.

Required Documents:

• Import license from Ministry of Trade
• Refrigerant form from the National Ozone Office within the Ministry of Trade
• Commercial or Purchase Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Environmental Levy Form
• Certificate of Title and Registration
• Insurance Policy & log book showing length of ownership

Duties and Taxes:-
The duties and taxes to be paid are determined by the applicable Tariff Code and the Customs Procedure Code (CPC). Import tax rates on vehicles are a VAT of 15% of the total value of the vehicle and the custom duty is utmost 60% depending on the CIF of the vehicle. Other taxes such as environmental tax and excise duty are also imposed on the vehicle imported. The Environmental Levy imposed is $6000.

Returning Nationals:-
Nationals returning to Antigua and Barbuda who have been living abroad for ten years or more will be regarded as “returning nationals”, and are eligible for duty free importation of one vehicle, provided that the vehicle has been owned for at least two years. Consideration will be given to the special circumstances of the returning individuals and their probable contribution towards the nation building.

Returning nationals are also exempted from Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) charges on a vehicle which has been owned by them for at least a year prior to its importation and is used for personal purposes.

Shipping Ports:-
Port for importation of used vehicles in Antigua and Barbuda is St. John’s port. There are two ways for vehicle shipping; one can import a vehicle using RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) method, which is an economical and most popular method, or can go for an expensive shipping method, container method.