St. Lucia
Our Agents
Importation Details
Personal and Household Effects
Personal items such as clothing, adornment, toiletries, furniture, and household appliances, whether new or used, can be imported free of customs duty by an eligible Returning Resident as outlined in Appendix A-1 of this Information Booklet.
Small household and other items carried as accompanied baggage are considered dutiable and may be detained until eligibility for Returning Resident status is confirmed by the Customs Department.
Note: Importation of building materials, tyres, kitchen cabinets, motorbikes, and automobiles are NOT duty-free.
Tools of Trade
Tools of Trade are defined as the instruments, tools, equipment, devices, and machinery used in the normal course of a person's profession, trade, or occupation, which do not require additional labor.
- Returning Residents may import these items free of customs duty, provided that the Customs Officer is satisfied that:
- The items are for the sole use of the individual for purposes of income generation.
- The individual is qualified to use them.
- The tools are of the type and quantity consistent with their profession, trade, or occupation.
- The tools are not being imported for sale or commercial exchange.
- These items may be either new or used.
If it is intended to establish a business that will employ additional labor, any additional equipment required will not be classified as tools of trade and is dutiable. Assistance in determining whether the intended items for importation comply with the definition of tools of trade can be sought from the Customs Department through the Missions overseas or the Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department.
Documentation Required
- Notarized certificate or diploma, from a recognized educational or training institution or professional body.
- Reference from a former employer or customer attesting to experience in the designated field.
- Copies of professional or business directories in which the service offered is listed.
- Details of the items. For used equipment, an inventory of the items along with a professional valuation of their current condition and value should be provided. For equipment less than one year old, the original invoice from the supplier can be provided.
- A certified invoice is required for new equipment.
The determination of compliance is conveyed in writing, including an indication of the duty payable, if the items do not qualify for duty exemption. The definitive assessment of the items, however, can be made only on the clearance of the items. A concession for tools of trade is granted to each qualified individual within a family.
Vehicle Import Eligibility for Jamaicans
- Age Requirement: Importers must be at least 18 years old.
- Vehicle Types Allowed:
- Two motor vehicles per person.
- Combinations can include one motor car and one light commercial vehicle, or two light commercial vehicles.
Vehicle Age Restrictions
- Motor Cars: No more than 5 years old at the time of importation.
- Light Commercial Vehicles: No more than 6 years old at the time of importation.
- Licence Approval: Vehicles older than these limits may still be imported, but only with special approval from the Trade Board.
Special Categories
- Classic/Antique Vehicles:
- Vehicles 30 years and older are considered classic.
- No documentation from the Jamaica Classic Car Club is needed.
- Apply directly to the Trade Board.
- Agricultural Vehicles:
- Must obtain approval through the local office of the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) before importation.
- Evidence of any duty concession must be presented when applying for the Motor Vehicle Import Licence.
Import Licence Requirements
- Oversized Vehicles: For heavy-duty trucks, tractors, and trailers over three tons unladen weight:
- Obtain an Import Licence from the Trade Board before importing.
- The Trade Board coordinates directly with the Island Traffic Authority; no separate written permission required.
- Damaged Vehicles: If a vehicle has been damaged and repaired overseas, one of the following documents must be provided:
- Rebuilt Title (USA)
- MOT Test Certificate (UK)
- Certification from designated national bodies (other countries)
Vehicle Modifications
- Vehicles from countries with right-hand drive must be modified for:
- Headlamps to reflect light properly.
- Buses to allow passenger entry/exit on the curbside.
General Import Licence Information
- Import Licences are valid for one year or the remainder of the calendar year if the vehicle is close to the age limit.
- An Import Licence must be obtained from the Trade Board before shipping any vehicle/motorised equipment.
| Description | Eligible Quantity | Quantity Shipped | Value of Items $ | Description | Eligible Quantity |
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