If you’re interested in importing a classic car please see the following information:
Applications for importation are reviewed by the Jamaica Classic Car Club, on a case by case basis. To apply one would fill out the The Jamaica Classic Car Club Vehicle Importation Application Form, and submit it to the club either through mail or email, where it would be reviewed to see if the vehicle would qualify as a classic. If the vehicle qualifies as a classic, the club would initiate the process of issuing a recommendation letter to the Jamaica Trade Board.
There is a charge IF the JCCC issues this approval letter:
J$30,000.00
FAQ
What is the minimum age for a classic car?
Normal recommendation is 20 years but there are exceptions, see other FAQ below
My intended importation is less than 20 years old, can I get an exception?
Yes, if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
1. • Design elements that separate it from the common car
2. • Engineering elements that separate it from the common car
3. • Either in limited production or is no longer in production
4. • Particular features and characteristics that attract investors worldwide
5. • The car can be of any age
6. • The car is not necessarily driven
7. • The car can be a store of value.
8. • Manufactured in low numbers.
9. • The car might have been very expensive.
10. • Significant engineering advantages for its time.
11. • A famous designer may have designed the car.
12. • The car may be a common vehicle with historical celebrity ownership.
13. • The car may have won a particularly famous race.
14. • The car may have been involved in a historical event.
After submitting my application to the JCCC, how long does it take before I get a reply?
Up to eight weeks depending on the complexity of the application but could be much shorter.
Is there any special duty concession for classic cars ?
Unfortunately, not, duties and other taxes are calculated at the same rate of a motor vehicle imported within the six year timeframe.
OVERVIEW
The J.C.C.C.’s main criteria which define a classic car are as follows. A classic car would therefore satisfy two
or more of the following:
1. Cars which are 20 years and older typically, but could also be newer cars matching the other criteria
2. Collectible and / or popular cars
3. Cars featuring special designs or designer influence
4. Cars featuring advanced engineering features deemed ahead of the time they were manufactured
5. Cars of high value and quality
6. Limited in production numbers
7. Racing heritage
8. Certified by the JCCC and other classic car clubs as a classic car
9. Cars owned by celebrities or made famous by such persons
10. Cars which are highly sought after
11. Antique cars, muscle cars, exotic cars and supercars
12. Cars defined as such in the law
Excerpt from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce trade board's document.
14.0 CLASSIC / LIMITED EDITION CARS
•••
The Motor Vehicle Import Policy allows for the Importation of Classic/Limited Edition vehicles
through the specific Import licensing regime administered by the Trade Board Limited.
The Motor Vehicle Import Policy embraces the definition of a classic car as a motor vehicle but not
a reproduction thereof, manufactured at least twenty (20) years prior to the current year and which
has been maintained In or restored to a condition which Is substantially In conformity with the
manufacturer’s specifications and Its original appearance.
The submission for approval must be accompanied by documentary evidence to support:
• Proof of the unit’s affiliation with, or registration in classic car clubs or related
organizations in the country of export
• Technological characteristics and historical information on the unit through registration
certificates, road licence, logbooks.
• Recommendation from registered local classic car dub detailing characteristics of the vehicle
that influenced their recommendation.
The documents presented should be sufficiently detailed/verifiable to convince the Trade Board
Limited that the specified unit conforms to one (1) or more of the specific criteria (listed below)
which are internationally accepted for categorizing classic cars:
• Documentation:
The provenance (source of origin) of a classic car must be clear; It should contain all sales
contracts and maintenance records
• Desirability/Uniqueness:
A self-propelled vehicle, but not a reproduction thereof, of any age which because of discontinued
production and limited availability is determined to be a make or model of significant value to
collectors and which has been maintained in, or restored to a condition which is substantially in
conformity with the manufacturer’s specification and Its original appearance. The value of a
collectible car is largely determined by its desirability, which is
Influenced by the numbers manufactured and the numbers remaining in existence
• Distinguished Engineering:
Significant engineering and design advantages that separate the given unit from the typical
vehicle of its type. Most classic cars were recognized and continue to be admired/desired fo
Innovative or trend setting engineering.
• Price:
Relatively high priced when new, out of production currently or In limited production. Cars
designated as classics have a pricing history of depreciating less rapidly than the typical car and
then appreciating until the current asking price Is considerably higher than the original price.
• Historic Preservation of Original:
Particular technological as well as historical factors that attract interest from collectors
worldwide. Must be comprised of original or restoration parts, may be over-restored but no
modified.
vehicle of Its type. Most classic cars were recognized and continue to be admired/desired for
innovative or trend setting engineering.
• Distinctive Style:
Innovative and attractive styling which sets the vehicle apart, irrespective of its age.
Each category selected must be supported by documentary evidence or information on the vehicle that
allows it to be placed under the umbrella of the selected category.
15.0 DISPOSAL OF VEHICLES PRIOR TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
Where it appears that a motor vehicle , imported by a certified dealer has been transferred, traded
or otherwise dealt with, prior to being cleared from customs, the Trade Board shall Impose a
disposal of vehicle prior to customs clearance (DVPCC) fee to amend the Import permit in favour of
any other party.
16.0 IMPORTATION OF DAMAGED VEHICLES
The importation of motor vehicles that are considered to be in a damaged or salvaged state is
prohibited, Irrespective of:
• The extent of the structural damage
• Whether the damage was caused through flooding or any other natural disaster
• Whether the damage occurred In transit or not.
The Government may however vary this guideline depending on, among other factors, the micro and
macro-economic issues guiding policies at specific times.
17.0 DEALER DISCLOSURE (Pre-Shjpment Inspection Certificate)
Upon application for an import license from the Trade Board all used motor vehicle dealers are
required to obtain, from reputable entities approved by the Trade Board, a pre-shipment
Inspection certificate for each vehicle detailing the following Information and any other
relevant information related to the vehicle:
• Year of Manufacture
• Model Year
• Distance (miles/kilometers) driven
• Laden/Unladen Weight (trucks used for transportation of cargo)
• Seating capacity (trucks used for transportation of passengers)
• Country of Manufacture
• Country of Export
• Type and quality of fuel (e.g. whether 87 or 90 octane gasoline, diesel with sulphur content <50
ppm, etc.)
• Original manufactured colour
• Modifications (e.g. standard transmission converted to automatic and vice versa,
hi there, I have written to you on a number of occasions and not heard anything back.i have a VW TRANSPORTER T3 1987 that I want to bring to jamaica as a returning resident. please can you advise me. my van isn’t currently with a classic car club in Europe so I was wondering what to do.kind regards.Andrew.
Please download the application form and fill out same and email to our email address as listed elsewhere on our site