Import rules and regulations on Japanese used vehicles in Dominica

Japan has always been a popular source of automobiles. Both used and new vehicle from Japan are exported to many countries across the world. Popularity of Japan used cars is due to their impressive specifications, good condition and high quality. Dominica, a Nature Island of the Caribbean is also enthusiast for Japanese vehicles. It is situated between two French territories Martinique and Guadeloupe. Not only new vehicles, large number of used Japanese vehicles are also imported into the Dominica.

The presence of online used cars portals has made the import of Japanese used vehicles an easy process. These portals provide thousands of used car stocks of most reliable and experienced used vehicle exporters in Japan. Importation of used vehicle in Dominica is not a burdensome process. It is mandatory for the used vehicle importer to abide by the rules for smooth customs clearance. There is no mandatory inspection required on used vehicle imported in Dominica. Generally, used vehicle shipped to the country through the Roseau port. As the traffic moves on the left side of the road on Dominica; consequently, car steering wheels are located on the right hand side of the vehicle.

Duty and Taxes on used vehicle imported:-

• Import Duty- 40% of the customs value.
• Customs Service Charge (CSC) - 3% of the customs value.
• Environmental Surcharges- $3,000.00 per unit on motor vehicles manufactured five years or more, otherwise for the $3,000.00 substitute 1% of the customs value for vehicles manufactured less than five years.
• Excise Tax- 28% of the customs value plus the import duty plus the customs service charge.

*Exemption is given on vehicles purchased by Diplomats

• Value Added Tax (VAT) - 15% on customs value plus import duty plus customs service charge plus the excise tax.

Documents required for Customs clearance upon arrival:-

• Original Certificate of title and registration
• Original driver's license
• Bill of Sale
• Foreign Registration papers
• Original purchase or Commercial Invoice
• Original Bill of Lading
• Export documents
• Insurance Policy
• Police Certificate of Registration
• Dominican consular invoice, stamped by the Dominican consulate

Returning Residents:-
Returning residents are allowed to import one motor vehicle free of import Duty and VAT. However, the Excise Tax (28%) and Customs Service Charge (3%) must be paid. Only one member of a family returning home will be eligible. The vehicle must be imported from the country where the applicant resided continuously for the past seven years immediately before returning to Dominica. Additionally, an Environmental Surcharge of $3000 is applicable if the vehicle is 5 years or older and 1% if the vehicle is less than 5 years old.

A person shall be deemed to be a returning resident if they have returned for permanent residence, have attained the age of 18 years and is a citizen of Dominica by birth. The importer should have residence status outside of Dominica continuously for the last seven years. The returning resident must prove prior ownership of the vehicle country of residence upon their importation into Dominica. Receipts and invoices for the vehicle should be made available upon request by the Customs Officer.

Returning Resident should abide by following condition:

• The Returning Resident will be required to enter into an agreement with the Comptroller of Customs.
• It is not allowed to sell, trade, give away, or otherwise dispose of the vehicle within a period of five years without paying necessary duties.
• It is allowed to sell the vehicle after five years without the payment of customs duties. However, approval of the Minister for Finance after consultation with the Comptroller of Customs is required.
• If the returnee leaves the country for a period less than six months then the Comptroller of Customs must be informed of the custody of the vehicle.
• In case the returnee leaves Dominica for a continuous period of over six months, then all applicable duties will be immediately paid in full. Except for special circumstances as determined by the Financial Secretary.
  

Note: If any term of the agreement is violated, the Comptroller reserves the right to seize the said vehicle as being liable to fined pending payment of the applicable duties in full. The Comptroller also reserves the right to sell the vehicle by public auction after a period of two months from the date of seizure.