Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Seychelles

Time and again with their models, Japanese auto manufacturers have proved that they are better than other makers. The main focus of Japanese auto manufactures is always towards customer’s satisfaction. Vehicles from Japan are known across the masses for their reliability, quality, safety, efficiency. Not only new vehicles, even used automobile sector of the country is famous among masses across the world.

The used car market of Japan has always been bigger and is growing at a much faster pace. Almost all countries across the world import used vehicles from Japan. Seychelles, a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar also imports used Japanese vehicles. With the advancement in technology, importing a vehicle from Japan is not a difficult process. Importers just have to follow the regulations to clear customs smoothly. Seychelles allows the importation of vehicles that are under 3 years of age and are right hand drive vehicles.

Importation of used vehicle by returning residents/students is allowed in the country. A returning resident is a Seychelles citizen living outside Seychelles for a continuous period of not less than 2 years and is returning to Seychelles to take up permanent residence is considered as a returning resident.

Given conditions under the Used Vehicle Policy in the Ministry of Finance should be followed by returning residents importing a used vehicle-

• The motor vehicle must be for passenger use only
• Only one vehicle is permitted per person
• A returning resident once granted an import permit will not be allowed to import another used motor vehicle or motor cycle should he/she decide to move overseas again.
• The vehicle must enter the country within 6 months of the returning graduate/resident taking residency in Seychelles.
• The returning resident/graduate is not allowed to sell or transfer the vehicle for the period of two years following the registration of the vehicle with the Seychelles License Authority (SLA).

The documents needed for clearance of used vehicle:-

• Bill of entry (in duplicate)
• Invoice/Receipts
• Bill of Lading
• Packing List/ List of goods in cargo
• Copy of passport of most recent entry in Seychelles
• Copy of passport of exit of 12 months or more from Seychelles
• Import permit
• Letter from the organization to certify that the student/graduate was sent for studies or in cases whereby the student/graduate went to study at their own expenses, they must provide document(s) proving their attended institution of study (If applicable).
• Prove of ownership of the vehicle.
• Copy of driving license

Duties and Taxes:-
Returning residents are allowed to import used vehicle in the country. However, no concession is given on taxes on vehicles imported. All applicable trades tax, excise tax, GST and levy are payable.

Shipping Port:-
The major shipping ports in Seychelles are Port Victoria, Port of Mahe. Generally, RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping method is used for vehicle shipment. However, on request of customers, more expensive yet safe method of transportation, container shipment method is used.

Summary:-
Like other countries across the world, Japanese used vehicles are also popular in Seychelles. There are regulations on used vehicles imported in the country. In order to import a vehicle, importers have to pay the necessary duties and present the required documents. The major shipping ports in Seychelles are Port Victoria, Port of Mahe.