HOW TO REGISTER AS A used CAR DEALER in Trinidad

If you wish to go into the business of importing used vehicles into Trinidad and Tobago you have to first register yourself as a used car dealer. Registration process is quite easy, You can register as a used car dealer as long as you are a national of any Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. You don't even have to be a Trinian.

First step is to obtain company registration certificate, Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration Certificate, Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) Advice of assignment of File Number and National Insurance Board (NIB) Registration Certificate. Once you have these documents in your hand you can register by filling out “Registration as an Imported used Right Hand Drive Motor Vehicle Dealer” application form. Once you have submitted the paperwork, you will need to set up your dealership if you haven't already. Once your form is submitted, a Trade Officer from the Trade Licence Unit is likely to pay a visit to your premises to ensure that the physical requirements for a dealership are in place. If he approves and your application is acceptable, you will be summoned before the Chief Trade Officer or Deputy Chief Trade Officer within 20 days and if you pass the interview, he will hand over a registration package to complete. Once registered, the applicant is eligible to apply for an import licence as a Registered Dealer. 

Here is the info: Trade Licence Unit

I'M AN INDIVIDUAL AND WANT TO ORDER A used VEHICLE into Trinidad

As mentioned above you don't need an import permit for import of brand new diesel or brand new Gasoline vehicles but import of used vehicles is strictly regulated and anyone who wishes to import a vehicle be they an indvidual, dealer or a company must apply for an Import Licence which will be subject to the following conditions. Please note that you cannot import a used diesel vehicle as either an individual or a dealer: A corporation is allowed under certain circumstances to import a used diesel vehicle for their use but may not sell it for a certain number of years:

1. The Individual who is seeking the import Licence for the importation of a used motor car must personally order and make arrangements for the landing of the vehicle at the Port of Entry. The individual is disqualified from protection by the Ministry of Trade and Industry with respect to the inappropriate dealings of any Registered Dealer in connection with the vehicle.

2. An Individual will be allowed to import only ONE (1) vehicle within a 3-year period and ownership of this vehicle will NOT be transferable during that period.

3. The vehicle must be no more than FOUR (4) years old from the year of manufacture at the time of importation into Trinidad and Tobago.

4. The vehicle must also be accompanied by a Certificate of Cancellation of Registration stamped by the Transport Authority in the country of origin such document should bear the engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle must also be accompanied by age verification document showing exact age of the vehicle i.e. year of manufacture of vehicle.

6. The imported vehicle must be structurally sound on importation and meet all environmental requirements as determined by statute or regulations approved by the Transport Commissioner.

7. The imported vehicle must NOT be fitted with a diesel engine.

8. The vehicle must be fitted with an ozone friendly refrigerant in its air conditioning system.

9. Prior to registration the vehicle must be in a generally good condition and must be subject to inspection and certification by the Transport Commissioner as to its roadworthiness for use on the roads of Trinidad and Tobago.

Import Cars, 4x4, Trucks and Buses to Trinidad

Importing New Vehicles to Trinidad and Tobago

There is currently no restriction on import of brand new diesel or brand new Gasoline (Petrol) vehicles into Trinidad and Tobago. You just email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get the pricing on your chosen vehicle and accessories from our Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom or Singapore office and in three easy steps the car of your dream can be at your door step. So whether your choice is a diesel pick-up truck like Toyota Hilux Vigo, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado or Isuzu Dmax or a diesel 4WD Sport Utility Truck SUV or minibus as Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Hiace, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai H-1, or Isuzu MU-7 from our Thailand office or a Toyota Landcruiser, Toyota Prado from our Australian office or Mercedes Benz Hyundai, Kia, Audi or BMW from our UK office, we are here to serve all your automotive needs.

Import used Vehicles to Trinidad and Tobago

ONLY NEW AND UNused RIGHT HAND DRIVE VEHICLES DO NOT REQUIRE AN IMPORT LICENCE. If you wish to import a used vehicle you must obtain an import permit whether you are car dealer, individual or returning national of Trinidad and Tobago.