importing vehicles

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Paul Makin
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importing vehicles

Post by Paul Makin »

i have reason to need to bring a vehicle from the uk into tobago (privately owned, not ro-ro or for onwards sale). the vehicle will be a permanent import and will need registering rather than the "V" plate.

i am aware of the process that i need to follow but no-one in the customs or licensing offices seemed to be able to give me an accurate run down of the costs that are involved, ie taxation and duty rates, other than to tell me that the rates are based on engine size.

anyone on here done this? anyone point me in the right direction ?

regards
paul
Ray Vanner

Post by Ray Vanner »

Paul

I was just starting to look myself into this. Hard work so far, and I am waiting for some info back. Will let you know how I get on. Can you do the same for me if you get anywhere?

Ray
Roger D.
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Post by Roger D. »

Paul;
My cousin works for Skyline Freight in Trinidad, he works very closely with Customs and Excise - Could you give me the specifics of the vechicle, engine size, gross weight, amount of passengers etc... you can send the info to my private email and I or my cousin will get back to you. Also for what purpose will this vechicle be used for, are you planning to move there, will the car be sent back to the UK ? etc...
Roger
Paul Makin
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Post by Paul Makin »

ive had the good fortune to be able to invest in a business on island and am relocating. the vehicle will be a hi-lux surf (or similar), i think the most likely engine size is 2.4 diesel but am uncertain of gross weight. certainly less than 2 tons, no more than 4 passengers and will be used for business and social use. it will not be re-exported and will become an asset of the business.

paul
Paul Makin
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Post by Paul Makin »

made a little progress with this.

ray - on arrival you will need to pay both vat and import duty. the vat is based on the depreciated cost of the vehicle, so bring all your receipts, the cost of vehicles in the uk can be substantially lower than the equivalent on island. the duty is a sliding scale based on engine size. i think that engines over 2000cc attract a rate of 40 tt per 100cc, but may have got that horribly wrong so dont budget on that figure.

after landing you need to clear customs and pay the above. your next problem will be getting the vehicle inspected and a number (plate) issued. the licensing and registration offices are on the old milford road near the abbatoir and how you get the vehicle from the port to the office is tricky. it cannot be driven on foreign plates, stricly speaking - but i cant see why not?, but if you speak to them first im told they may issue a local "paper" number which you can use temporarily. failing that, it'll need towing.

there are D (ealer) plates knocking around (although we wouldnt have access to them unless you know someone in the trade) which satisfy all legal requirements. it may also be possible (im told) to go to licensing and registration and be issued a V (isitor) plate, although these are normally for vehicles that will be leaving the republic within a defined period.

roger d - i'd be grateful for any help you or your cousine could provide on this. please post up or message me if you find out any more

will post more as i find out

regards
paul
(who is now regretting the 4000cc jeep)
Roger D.
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Post by Roger D. »

I called my cousin today, this is a four day weekend in Trinidad and Tobago. When he goes out to work on Tuesday he'll start working on it. One thing he did mention though is that the car would have to be shipped to Trinidad first, clear customs, then placed on the inter-island ferry to Tobago.

Remember we're working in island mode here, I'll try to hurry it along somewhat. I'll keep you posted.
Roger.
Roger D.
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Post by Roger D. »

Paul & Ray -

My cousin needs to know where in the UK will these cars be shipped from and the approximate value of them.

You can Email my cousin, Ainsley de Matas at [email protected] or at the telephone numbers listed below.
Skyline Freight & Mangement
http://www.sfml.com/

Tel: (868) 625-3119/627-7668
Fax: (868) 624-4088
6-30 Mc DONALD STREET, WOODBROOK, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, WEST INDIES
Paul Makin
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Post by Paul Makin »

thanks roger, i'll do that

just found out however that the importer needs to have owned the vehicle for 6 months prior to its entering the country. as i bought it last week specifically to use on the island it may be a while before i need his services !!! :evil:

begs the question though, how do the dealers get around that regulation when shipping in the foreign used vehicles in bulk?

regards
paul
David Watkins
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Post by David Watkins »

Paul,it is because most of the imported vehicles are ex-Japanese or Korean vehicles,in both those countries vehicles over three years old are taxed heavily and have to go thru rigorous 6 monthly'mot'.This encourages the new car sales market.The'used' cars are bought by a specialist company who service and export them in bulk so that the cars are in their possesion for sometimes a year.Not only are the cars exported to T&T but also many other rhd countries.
David
Roger D.
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Post by Roger D. »

Paul;
You may want to have a look at the Ministry of Trade and Industry's website

http://www.tradeind.gov.tt/divisions/li ... _apply.htm

It has some useful information on applying for an Import/Export Licence
Also here is some info for individuals who wish to personally order and land their own vehicles.
http://www.tradeind.gov.tt/divisions/li ... iduals.htm
Paul Makin
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Post by Paul Makin »

bum!!!!

anyone want to buy a 7 year old grand cherokee. cheap.

paul
Roger D.
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Post by Roger D. »

Paul & Ray;

Skyline Freight in Trinidad has an agent in the U.K.

TRANS GLOBAL FREIGHT MANAGEMENT LTD
TRANS-PENNINE CARGO CENTRE
BIRCH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,
WHITTLE LANE, HEYWOOD, LANCS
OL10 2SX.

TEL: 011-44-170-669-4200

CONTACT: AMANDA GILL
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