The greatest thing to hold people back from asking about shipping services is the assumption that it costs too much. What most don’t realize is that the cost of shipping services is very reasonable. It’s the cost of the country’s import duties and taxes that tend to be costly.
This is why professionals recommend booking a transport a few months ahead of time. It allows you time to prepare for the shipping process and to pay off all associated taxes. You cannot gain Custom’s approval for vehicle import until taxes are paid and all forms of proof are shown.
Easily ship a car to Jamaica from the United States with professional shipping services. Only two of the international transport methods are sensible. Honestly, one of the options is so expensive that many transport companies won’t even offer it. This method is air shipping which requires a plane for delivery of the car. Your other two options are RO/RO and container shipping. RO/RO is an open air transport method and the cheapest of all shipping options.
Information on Import Taxes and Duties for Vehicles
Duty rates vary between 0% and 70%, with an average rate of 17.45%. Imports into Jamaica are subject to a standard General Consumption Tax rate of 16.5%, levied on the sum of the CIF value, duty, Special Consumption Tax, and Stamp Duty. Some items may be exempt from GCT if you decided to ship other items along with the car.
The Embassy of Jamaica will fill you in on the current tax rates. Since they can change at any time, make sure you call to double check. All taxes and duties have to be paid before Customs can release a certificate of approval.