Popular Japanese vehicles in Jamaica include the Toyota Voxy, Honda Vezel, Honda Shuttle, Toyota Probox and Isuzu Elf. Before you choose, check Jamaica’s age rule: most passenger cars must be no more than 6 years old, counted by model year, and every vehicle from Japan needs a pre-shipment inspection by Auto Terminal Japan (ATJ).
Key takeaways
- Cars, station wagons, SUVs up to 8 seats and small passenger buses up to 8 seats have a 6-year limit, counted by model year.
- Pickups and small trucks from 1,501 to 3,000 kg, panel vans and window vans have a 10-year limit.
- You need a Jamaica Trade Board import permit (via JSWIFT) and an ATJ Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate before you ship.
- Damaged or salvaged vehicles cannot be imported.
Why Japanese vehicles are popular in Jamaica
Jamaica drives on the left, so Japan’s right-hand-drive vehicles suit local roads.
Japanese makes such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Isuzu are common, so mechanics know them and parts are easy to find. Japanese used vehicles also come with clear records: an export certificate and, often, an auction sheet that shows the car’s condition.
Jamaica’s age rule in plain words
The age limit depends on the type of vehicle.
| Vehicle type | Age limit |
|---|---|
| Cars (sedans up to 5 seats), station wagons, SUVs up to 8 seats | 6 years |
| Buses up to 8 seats; pickups up to 1,500 kg unladen | 6 years |
| Pickups and small trucks 1,501–3,000 kg; panel vans; window vans; buses 9–14 seats | 10 years |
| Larger buses and trucks | Longer limits; check the Trade Board table |
Age is counted by model year, checked from the chassis number for Japanese-market cars. There has also been a year-end grace period for the model year that ages out; check the Trade Board’s current notice for the dates. Returning residents have a 10-year limit.
For the full process, read importing a car from Japan to Jamaica or visit our Jamaica import rules hub.
Will my car be allowed into Jamaica?
Popular models and how the rule applies
These are popular choices in Jamaica. The list is not a sales ranking.
Toyota Voxy
A 7–8-seat minivan for families, school runs and passenger transport. The current generation has been sold in Japan since 2022, and the previous one ran from 2014 to 2021. See the Toyota Voxy stock (2021 and newer).
Honda Vezel
A compact crossover with petrol and hybrid versions. The second generation was launched in Japan in 2021. See the Honda Vezel stock (2021 and newer).
Honda Shuttle
A practical station wagon with petrol and hybrid versions. Production ended in 2022, so only the last model years still fit the 6-year window. See the Honda Shuttle stock (2021 and newer).
Toyota Probox
A small commercial van used for deliveries and small businesses. Commercial vans fall into different age bands from cars, so ask the Trade Board which category your vehicle is in. See the Toyota Probox stock.
Isuzu Elf
A light truck used for hauling building materials, produce and goods. The age limit depends on its unladen weight and type, so confirm the category before you buy. See the Isuzu Elf stock.
What about the Honda Grace?
The Grace sedan was popular, but production in Japan ended in 2020, so it is at or past the edge of the 6-year window for cars. Check the Trade Board’s current model-year list before you consider one; a newer Honda Shuttle may be an alternative.
To see all passenger vehicles that are likely to fit the rule, browse our 2021-and-newer stock. The filter uses first registration in Japan, so ask us to confirm the model year before you pay.
How the import process works
- Choose a vehicle that fits the age limit for its category.
- Pre-shipment inspection: ATJ inspects the vehicle in Japan and issues a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate. It checks the model year, odometer, first registration and signs of flood or structural damage.
- Import permit: apply to the Jamaica Trade Board through JSWIFT with the supplier invoice, export certificate, ID, TRN and the inspection certificate. Get the permit before the vehicle is shipped. Individuals may import two vehicles every three years.
- Shipping: vehicles arrive at Kingston. Ask our team for the current schedule.
- Customs: a licensed customs broker lodges the declaration with the Jamaica Customs Agency. Duty is set by the government; see the Jamaica Customs Agency.
What to check before you buy
- The model year and the category of the vehicle.
- The auction sheet for repair marks and flood or damage notes. Our auction sheet guide explains the codes.
- That the vehicle can pass the ATJ inspection. Damaged or salvaged vehicles are prohibited.
- The full landed cost. See our landed cost checklist.
Pay only to a bank account in Japan in the name “Autocom Japan Inc”. Read our guide on how to avoid scams.
Find more model guides in our Honda and Toyota car guides.
Frequently asked questions
How old can a car be to import to Jamaica?
Cars, station wagons and SUVs up to 8 seats can be up to 6 years old, counted by model year. Some commercial vehicles have a 10-year limit.
Who inspects cars from Japan for Jamaica?
Auto Terminal Japan (ATJ). Without its Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate, you cannot get an import permit.
Do I need the import permit before shipping?
Yes. Apply to the Jamaica Trade Board through JSWIFT and get the permit before the vehicle is shipped.
How do I contact Autocom from Jamaica?
Our Caribbean customers are served from our Yokohama head office. Message us on WhatsApp.
