Import Regulations in Bahamas for Japan Used Cars

Left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import from Japan. Pre-shipment inspection is not required. In the Bahamas, the age restriction for the import of used Japanese cars is 4 years. For the import of trailers and caravans, special permission is necessary and the vehicle must be taken for inspection to the Road Traffic Department. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR IMPORT OF VEHICLES • Copy of passport or driving license • Import permit • Inspection certificate • Taxpayer Identification Number • Bill of Lading • Commercial Invoice (original) • Copy of Title and Registration certificate • Insurance Policy and logbook which shows the duration of ownership of the used Japanese vehicle • C-14 form if the shipping port is Nassau. • C-13 for if the shipping port if Freeport • C-43 form which is the declaration of the value of the vehicle imported from Japan. • Invoice of the 7.5% tax which is imposed on the used Japanese vehicle. TAXATION Customs duties as per the CIF value of the vehicle are as follows • If the value of the car is $10,000 or less, then the duty imposed is 45%. • If the value of the car is $10,000 to $20,000, then the duty imposed is 50%. • If the value of the car is more than $20,000, then the duty imposed is 65%. • The importer has to pay an additional 7.5% VAT on the imported vehicle. If the vehicle is imported temporarily, then this VAT is exempted. • USD 200 Environmental Levy. • 1% of the FOB price as a procedure fee. • Other charges include fees for storage of the imported vehicle, freight and insurance charges, and landed cost.