Yes, you can import a used right-hand-drive car from Japan to Trinidad and Tobago in 2026, but you must get an import licence from the Trade Licence Unit before the car is shipped. Under the rules in force since 1 January 2026, petrol and diesel cars may be up to 8 years old, hybrids up to 3 years, and pickups and panel vans up to 10 years.
Key takeaways
- 2026 age limits for individuals: 8 years for petrol, diesel and CNG cars and SUVs, 3 years for hybrids, 10 years for pickups and panel vans. Age is counted from the year of manufacture.
- Apply for the import licence on TTBizLink before shipment, and apply personally.
- Used imports must be right-hand drive. Individuals may import one vehicle every 4 years.
- You need the Japanese export (cancellation of registration) certificate, proof of year of manufacture and proof of ozone-friendly A/C refrigerant.
1. Check the 2026 age limits
The limit depends on the type of vehicle and its fuel. Age is measured at the time of importation, counted from the year of manufacture.
The Trade Licence Unit (TLU) of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism changed these limits from 1 January 2026:
| Vehicle type (individual importers) | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| Petrol, diesel and CNG cars and SUVs | 8 years |
| Hybrid cars and SUVs | 3 years |
| Pickups and panel vans | 10 years |
| Maxi taxis | 4 years |
| Electric vehicles | Sources differ; confirm with the TLU |
For electric vehicles, the TLU page and a May 2026 guide give different limits. Confirm with the TLU before you buy an EV.
Will my car be allowed into Trinidad and Tobago?
A good starting point is our stock first registered in 2019 or later. The filter uses first registration in Japan, and a car can be manufactured before it is first registered. Ask us to confirm the year of manufacture of the exact car before you pay, especially for hybrids.
You can also use our import age checker or read the Trinidad and Tobago import rules hub.
2. Make sure you are eligible
An individual may import one vehicle every 4 years, and it cannot be transferred during that time.
Used imports must be right-hand drive. Returning nationals may import left-hand-drive sedans and SUVs, but Japanese-market cars are normally right-hand drive.
If you imported a vehicle in the last 4 years, check with the TLU before you commit to another one.
3. Choose the car and gather the documents
Once you have picked a car that fits the age limit, collect the documents the TLU and the Transport Commissioner will ask for.
- Certificate of Cancellation of Registration (the Japanese Export Certificate), showing the engine and chassis numbers
- Proof of the year of manufacture
- Proof that the A/C uses an ozone-friendly refrigerant
- Commercial invoice
Ask us early which of these we can provide for your car. Our guide to the Japan Export Certificate explains what that document shows.
Read the auction sheet before you decide; our auction sheet guide explains grades and damage codes.
Pay only by bank transfer to an account in Japan whose beneficiary is Autocom Japan Inc. Read how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan before you send money.
4. Apply for the import licence on TTBizLink
You need an import licence before the car is shipped. Register on TTBizLink and apply to the Trade Licence Unit.
The application uses the declaration form “Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle”. The TLU publishes its guidelines and the supporting documents it needs on its website.
The TLU advises you to apply personally and not through third parties. Be careful with anyone who offers to “get the licence for you” for a fee.
Don’t ship until the licence is approved. The licence is a condition for importing the car, not something to sort out after it lands.
5. Ship the car to Port of Spain or Point Lisas
Cars for Trinidad and Tobago usually arrive at Port of Spain or Point Lisas. Ask our office what they need from you, such as a copy of your approved licence, before the car is booked on a vessel.
No pre-shipment inspection in Japan is listed in the 2026 TLU guidelines. The vehicle is inspected after it arrives.
For the current schedule to your port, ask our office. For the choice of shipping method, see Ro-Ro vs container shipping. To see what a price includes, read FOB, C&F and CIF prices explained.
6. Clear customs
Customs and Excise clears the car against the import licence and the shipping documents. Many buyers use a customs broker for this.
The Ministry of Works and Transport lists these documents for foreign-used vehicles:
- Import licence
- Bill of lading
- Export certificate with an English translation
- Commercial invoice and CARICOM invoice
- C82 form
- Customs receipts
- TTBS approval
- Insurance
- Your ID
Duties and taxes are assessed by Customs and Excise. Ask your broker for an estimate before you buy and use our landed cost checklist so nothing is missed.
7. Pass the Transport Commissioner inspection and register
After arrival, the Transport Commissioner inspects the vehicle before it can be registered.
Bring the documents listed above. The inspection checks the vehicle against its paperwork, so the engine and chassis numbers on the export certificate must match the car.
Our import documents checklist is a handy summary to take with you.
How Autocom serves Trinidad and Tobago
We serve buyers in Trinidad and Tobago from our head office in Yokohama. You can reach the team on WhatsApp at +81 90 7180 6415.
We supply the invoice, the Export Certificate and the shipping documents. The import licence, customs clearance and registration are handled by you and, if you use one, your broker. To check that you are dealing with the real company, read how to verify a Japanese car exporter before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a 2017 petrol car to Trinidad in 2026?
No. Petrol and diesel cars have an 8-year limit counted from the year of manufacture, and a 2017 car is older than that in 2026. A 2017 pickup or panel van may still fit the 10-year limit.
Can I ship the car first and get the licence later?
No. The import licence must be approved before shipment. Apply on TTBizLink and wait for approval before the car is booked.
Can an agent apply for the licence for me?
The TLU advises applying personally, not through third parties. Register on TTBizLink yourself.
What is the age limit for electric cars?
Sources conflict: the TLU page and a May 2026 guide give different limits. Confirm with the TLU before you buy an electric car.
Can I import two cars this year?
Not as an individual. The rule is one vehicle every 4 years, and it cannot be transferred during that time.
Sources
- Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism: Trade Licence Unit (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- TTBizLink: Single Electronic Window (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- Ministry of Works and Transport: Registration of foreign used vehicles (checked 1 Oct 2026)
- Ministry of Finance: Customs and Excise Division (checked 1 Oct 2026)
