^^Pretty comprehensive, and looks complete based on what I did not too long ago.

Not sure, but depending on the "inspector" at the TTBS, they may insist that you use locally bought tyres. SOmething about local stds and teh JDM used tyres don't have treadwear and traction ratings listed....but don't quote me on that. Seen that happen already....but not in my case. <shrug>

^^ yea thats tru...had the same problem...jdm tyres usually don't show the details..but d sad ting..for a small "fee" they jus let it slide lol public sector for u eh

nice write-up.....pretty complete except for the part of obtaining an import license

_________________
"Hand over the Alien!"......"Get your own Alien!"

Ministry of Trade and Industry, building off Maritime roundabout near gas station, can't recall the name of the building, but it faces west and the office is on the ground floor. Takes about 4 - 5 working days to process, less/more in some cases. One thing, they may ask you if you've applied for an individual import license within the last 4 years, this is because you cannot transfer the car within that time. If you have, then you may be asked to validate said transfer.

This was about 2-3 yrs ago, not sure what, if anything has changed.......

Also, I have a broker that handles all the steps after the vehicle has been acquired with the exception of the wire transfers of course, so all the local steps basically. So he would clear the vehicle, process, inspections, license and deliver to you after, even clean up if you want. Useful for those that can't afford the days off, plus he has all the required contacts and know how already. I chose this way as it was beneficial and convenient to me as I didn't have the time to spare.

_________________
Speed is Nothing Without Control.

http://www.xtremeracingtuning.com/forum ... f=88&t=331

TTMA building I believe.

Yea Knight1, that's it, thanks.

_________________
Speed is Nothing Without Control.

http://www.xtremeracingtuning.com/forum ... f=88&t=331

Nice post spec...

_________________
(HSI) Handle Speed Intelligently.
Never Drive Faster Than Your Angel Could Fly.

Good info here...now I know i'll need about 3-4 days off to do this

To clarify the import license application...do you need to have an invoice for the vehicle from the supplier before applying for the import license??

_________________
"Hand over the Alien!"......"Get your own Alien!"

yea......and the invoice should reflect the chassis number as you will need this for the application form, you'll also need the cancellation certificate in English. Also make copies of your DP and the cancellation certificate as well.

_________________
Speed is Nothing Without Control.

http://www.xtremeracingtuning.com/forum ... f=88&t=331

Good info here. Can someone post the duties, MVT and Vat information as it applies. and even a little insight into registration, inspection and other local costs so we can have an idea of the true cost in our minds.

Thanks

_________________
Live Green

Ditto. I would especially like to confirm the duties.

_________________
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

No longer here.

_________________
As you get older, you don't modify a car to make it fast, you simply BUY a stock fast car.

I notice you took 75% of the MVT. Do they still have that exemption in place dependent on the age of the vehicle? If so, what are the details? I concur that it is not rocket science having brought a couple cars in already but it seems to be a bit difficult to get (and confirm) the latest info online.

Thank you for your input.

_________________
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Great info in this post, i actually was searching on google for this info when i got redirected to this site.

Got all the info i needed, well detailed - step by step.

Customs Duty, MVT and Vax are killers though. Looks like they can equate to or even surpass the cost of the vehicle itself.

Where do I go about acquiring a D plate for the use of driving it from the port to TTBS, to license office?

_________________
PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS AND ALTEZZA TAIL LIGHTS
http://www.trinituner.com/v3/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=318777&hilit=projector

good info

No longer here,

_________________
As you get older, you don't modify a car to make it fast, you simply BUY a stock fast car.

This is a very comprehensive and useful post. thanks.

Nice info here guys.
Has anyone here arranged their own shipping for the vehicle or did you go with the shipping company provided by the exporter?

Another thing, I know about kobe Motors, Sayuri and SB Trading, but I find their stocks looking a lil depleted of late. What are some other good importers you might have dealt with?

_________________
If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed-Mark Twain

No longer here,

_________________
As you get older, you don't modify a car to make it fast, you simply BUY a stock fast car.

good info here ... enough with the foreign used car industry ripping people off

I just want to add to this with my experience today (5-Jan-11)
I collected my car today but the vehicle is not yet licensed.

First I went to bankers insurance which is located in the building next to licensing office (Heart and Chest Association compound), just follow the sign labeled "insurance". (there was a line of people at 8am)

Reach down by Customs Cargo Clearance Compound (next to Movietowne - this is where you does see all them NEW cars park up before Movietowne heading WEST) at 9am.

Just my luck, I went the day after PSA strike, so I am not sure if customs does always move this slow. What happened was: the first car was cleared and driven of at 3pm and the customs officer reached at 10am.

Not giving me anytime to go TTBS nor Licensing office to do the final 2 steps ie.
Tire inspection and Licensing
So I have to make another run tomorrow morning for another cover note.
Also the cover note I got was for 9am to 5pm.

Suggestions:
It is best you get a customs broker to do all the running up and down.
If you realize time running out on you and you living far, get a cover for the 2nd day.
Collect whatever forms you need to register the vehicle from licensing office any day before. It is a green form/ leaflet. Make sure it is the correct form and read the form headings, the lady at the "information" desk gave me the wrong forms, twice!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's saga.

And now the saga continues....

Reach by banker insurance early in the morning and got my cover note in 5 minutes
Drove to TTBS at the VMCOTT compound next to Barataria exit of the Beetham.
Tires were checked, no problem. (you can arrange with you broker or yourself to pay 100.00 fee before hand, so you can just drive up to the inspection and drive out when finished). Also it have some rule, that your tires must be:

4 tires of 1 brand
or
2 tires of 1 brand and the other 2 of another brand

Reached back to Licensing office, carried it to the pit closest to 'REGISTRATION'. To reach there you drive into the main entrance and head down to the end of the car park and drive to the back of the compound, behind the main building. keep driving and you will see the pit.
Engine and chasis number were filled out.
Carried forms to the office named "roll on roll off". The officer there will check and see if you have all documents (all original customs docs, invoice, certificates, tax receipt and etc.). Note: have a photocopy of your DP, Import License ready.

Then electricity went at 1:30pm, so work finish, and I have to come back the next day.
No generators or back up power in 2011!

At this point I had to come back the next day, (day 3)
However I do not need to bring back the vehicle.
In the same 'registration' department, go to the cashier, pay 120 registration fee. and wait for your number.
It will be on a little receipt, be careful not to lose.
After collecting this, I insured the car and got my license plate and alarm
but I have to return, 3 working days after to collect the certify copy.

Returned 3 working days later and the certified copy was not ready.
I will call before I head down next time.

Note: it have some people who are helpful if you ask them, it have fellas who does be at the pit regular from Hundai and Toyota but they do not work at the MOWT. Some of the officers are helpful too but is it a hit or miss with them. Your chances are better with asking someone in a shirt or polo and jeans and look like they are regulars but not employed at MOWT.
Just remember everybody trying to get their thing done but the system move at snail pace. That is how the system is but prepare yourself to have nothing done quickly unless you have family working in there.

I hope documenting my experience will help someone....

^^ yes bro, the Customs Brokers know the runnings, and more importantly they know the officers; what will take you and me 2-3days will take them 2-3 hours, serious ting. I had suggested using a broker in this post. It's not that you cant do it on your own, its just that its not worth the time and hassle, well for me at least. Good luck, I know how it feels to be so close to having your car in your hands.

_________________
Speed is Nothing Without Control.

http://www.xtremeracingtuning.com/forum ... f=88&t=331

is there any restrictions on how old the vehicles must be? for eg from the date of manufacture? and which broker do you recommend?

^^4 years old max IIRC.

i'm considering going this route

what about registerring on a registered vat company?

can i follow the same procedure and when its ready to license i present the company documents? or do I need to buy the vehicle in the companys name? and obtain the import license in the companys name?

also what are some good auction sites? I heard vehicles are cheaper there

^Actually, like I said either here or in another post, if you try to track down a really high grade, low mile car (as far as possible), then it can actually cost a little more.

Why?

Most RORO dealers down here bring in lower grade cars (3.5, 4 etc) and so on, and then add a mark up. Trying to get a grade [b]5[b/] car yourself (i.e. in perfect condition, probably only 2 years old, if not less), will be costly (for the same model of car in question) those cars fetch a significantly higher premium even on JDM auctions.


Most folks however, are willing to accept an older car with more miles, and the odd damage here and there. If that's the case, then you can get such cars for alot cheaper than a local dealer.


E.g. a grade 3.5 N/A 2007 Legacy would probably land here for around 100K-115K

a grade 5 late-2007 Legacy would probably land here for around 150K.

great info will pass along

so if i were to acquire an import license in my name
i bring the vehicle, but i want to license it in someone elses name

can that happen?

^^Nope. Unless the person is a "co owner" I think (subject to correction).

The vehicle HAS to have your name on it AFAIK, unless your a RORO dealer.