Country guide · 🇯🇲 Jamaica
Apostille for importing a Japanese car to Jamaica
Jamaica is the Caribbean hub for Japanese used vehicles: 32,197 imports in 2024. The path runs through the Trade Board Limited (import licensing), Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) (duty assessment), and the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) (registration & plates). Jamaica joined the Hague Convention in 2021 — apostille is the recognised authentication for non-Jamaican public documents.
01 — Jamaica
The local authorities — Trade Board + TAJ + ITA
Three Jamaican authorities work the chain: Trade Board Limited issues the import licence and enforces age-restriction rules (typically 4-5 years for cars, 10 years for SUVs/light trucks); Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) assesses GCT, SCT, and customs duty; Island Traffic Authority (ITA) handles vehicle registration and plate issue. The MLIT Certificate of Export sits at the start of all three workflows.
02 — Jamaica
Why apostille smooths Jamaican imports
The Jamaican Trade Board explicitly accepts the Japanese Export Certificate (alongside Registration Certificate or Certificate of Title). Apostille adds the layer of chain-of-custody confidence that protects against re-inspection delays, anti-fraud reviews, and disputes over odometer readings or vehicle history. For dealers importing through Kingston and Montego Bay ports, apostille is fast becoming a documentary standard.
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Our process for Jamaican importers
Email us the Certificate of Export scan. Feasibility in hours. Apostille at MoFA Tokyo in 3 working days. International courier to Kingston or any Jamaican address: 5-7 days. Total: 10-15 days door-to-door. €280 flat fee in EUR (we invoice in EUR; your bank converts to JMD). Refund guaranteed if Trade Board, TAJ, or ITA refuses the apostille.
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Tips for Jamaican importers
For Kingston-port arrivals: keep the apostilled original at hand for Trade Board verification; provide copies to TAJ and ITA. For used import dealers: pair apostille with PDQ (Pre-Inspection at port of origin) where applicable — combined documentation closes the chain. For multi-vehicle dealers: batch scheduling at MoFA Tokyo reduces per-unit cost. The apostille is recognised regionally — same document valid if you later resell to Trinidad, Bahamas, Guyana (all Hague members).
Ready to apostille your Jamaica import?
Send us the scan of your Certificate of Export. We confirm feasibility within hours, deliver the apostilled original to Jamaica in 15 days door-to-door. € 280, all-inclusive, refund guaranteed.