Car Shipping Costs from UK to Trinidad and Tobago — 2026 Prices
Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the UK to Trinidad and Tobago in 2026 starts from £1,452 via RoRo to Port of Spain — but 2026 has brought two major regulatory changes that every UK shipper must know before booking. The vehicle age limit was raised from 3 years to 8 years from January 2026, and the returning nationals duty concession was abolished in the same budget. This guide covers the updated rules, real 2026 prices, the mandatory TTBizLink import licence process, and the complete duty breakdown — so you can plan your total cost accurately.
What Are the 2026 Shipping Costs from the UK to Trinidad and Tobago?
| Method | Departure Port | Destination | Price From | Transit | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Southampton | Port of Spain | £1,452 | ~29 days | Monthly |
| Container (20ft/40ft) | Tilbury | Port of Spain | On request | Contact for transit | Weekly |
What’s included in the freight price: UK port handling at Southampton or Tilbury, ocean freight to Port of Spain, UK export customs declaration (C88 — handled by Ship Cars Ltd as a registered UK customs broker), and Bill of Lading.
What’s NOT included: T&T import duty, Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT), VAT (12.5%), TTBizLink import licence fee, Port of Spain port handling, and your clearing agent’s fees — all payable in Trinidad and Tobago.
Container options include 20ft, 40ft, 40HQ, and flat rack services departing weekly from Tilbury — contact Ship Cars Ltd for current container pricing to Port of Spain.
What Is the New Vehicle Age Limit for Importing to Trinidad and Tobago in 2026?
This is the biggest regulatory change affecting UK shippers this year — and it works in your favour.
Effective 1 January 2026, Trinidad and Tobago raised the maximum permissible age for importing used private vehicles from 3 years to 8 years from the date of manufacture, under Legal Notice No. 477 (Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Fourth Schedule).
For 2026 imports: Vehicles manufactured from 2018 onward are now eligible.
This applies to sedans, SUVs, station wagons, and light vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, or CNG.
What this means for UK exporters: The previous 3-year limit severely restricted the pool of UK vehicles eligible for T&T — only 2023-onwards vehicles qualified in 2025. The new 8-year window opens up a significantly larger range of UK used stock, making T&T a more viable export destination for UK dealers and private sellers alike.
Source: Trinidad Guardian, 28 December 2025; T&T Newsday, 20 November 2025; Legal Notice No. 477 of 2025. Verify current eligibility with the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) before shipping.
Does Trinidad & Tobago Accept Right-Hand Drive UK Cars?
Yes — and this makes it one of the Caribbean’s most UK-compatible markets.
Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left side of the road, meaning standard UK right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are fully eligible for import and registration. The Ministry of Trade’s Trade Licence Unit even provides a dedicated form — the Declaration for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle — specifically for individual RHD importers, which must accompany the TTBizLink import licence application.
There is no requirement to convert or modify RHD vehicles for T&T roads. Combined with the new 8-year age window, this makes UK RHD stock highly viable for the T&T market.
Is a TTBizLink Import Licence Mandatory Before Shipping?
Yes — and this must be approved before your vehicle leaves the UK. Do not book a sailing without it.
All used vehicles imported into Trinidad and Tobago require an import licence from the Trade Licence Unit (TLU), Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. The application is submitted online via TTBizLink (ttbizlink.gov.tt).
What you need for the TTBizLink application:
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, engine size, VIN)
- Signed Declaration for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle (for individual RHD importers)
- Proof of purchase and commercial invoice
Key rules:
- Licences are valid until the end of the calendar year in which they are issued — a licence obtained in October 2026 expires on 31 December 2026
- The licence must be approved before the vessel departs the UK
- Ship Cars Ltd can advise on the process and help connect you with a licensed T&T customs broker to manage the application
Verify current TLU requirements at tradeind.gov.tt/tlu before booking.
What Are the Import Duty and Tax Rates in Trinidad and Tobago for 2026?
T&T levies three separate charges on imported vehicles, all calculated on the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) and engine capacity.
| Tax | Rate (2026) |
|---|---|
| Customs Duty | 20%–45% of CIF (engines over 1,999cc attract a 50% surcharge) |
| Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) | TTD $3.75–$45.00 per cc, tiered by engine size; 50% surcharge above 1,999cc |
| VAT | 12.5% of (CIF + Duty + MVT combined) |
How the tiers work by engine size:
| Engine Capacity | Duty Rate | MVT Rate (per cc) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,599cc | 20% | TTD $3.75 |
| 1,600–1,999cc | 30% | TTD $7.50 |
| 2,000–2,999cc | 45% + 50% surcharge | Higher MVT + 50% surcharge |
| 3,000–3,499cc | 45% + 50% surcharge | TTD $30.00+ + surcharge |
| 3,500cc and above | 45% + 50% surcharge | TTD $45.00 + surcharge |
The practical impact: A smaller-engined vehicle (under 1,600cc) attracts the lowest combined duty. A large-engine SUV or 4×4 can face a combined duty and MVT burden that significantly exceeds the sea freight cost. A licensed T&T customs broker can calculate the precise landed cost for your specific vehicle before you commit to shipping.
Source: T&T Customs and Excise Division (customs.gov.tt). Always verify current rates before shipping.
What Is the 2026 Electric Vehicle Duty Exemption?
This is a significant incentive introduced from January 2026 and directly relevant to UK EV exporters:
- Electric vehicles with a CIF value at or below TTD $400,000 are fully exempt from all three taxes — Customs Duty, Motor Vehicle Tax, and VAT
- EVs with a CIF value above TTD $400,000 attract 10% Customs Duty, 12.5% VAT, and tiered MVT
EV shipping method note: Electric vehicles must be shipped via dedicated container only — they are not permitted on RoRo services due to maritime battery fire-safety regulations. An EV hazard surcharge of approximately £295 applies and the battery must be below 50% charge at loading.
The combination of the EV duty exemption and the new 8-year age window makes Trinidad and Tobago an increasingly viable destination for UK EV exports for the first time.
Has the Returning Nationals Duty Concession Been Abolished?
Yes — effective 1 January 2026, this concession no longer exists.
Prior to 1 January 2026, returning T&T nationals who had lived abroad for a qualifying period could benefit from significant exemptions on Customs Duty, Motor Vehicle Tax, and VAT when importing a personal vehicle. These concessions were abolished in the 2025/2026 national budget.
What this means for returning T&T nationals from the UK: You now pay exactly the same duty and tax rates as any other individual importer. There is no longer a preferential rate available based on residency status. Budget for the full three-component tax structure before shipping.
Source: T&T Ministry of Finance, 2025/2026 National Budget; T&T Newsday, October 2025.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car from the UK to Trinidad and Tobago?
UK export documents (required before sailing):
- Original V5C logbook — confirming vehicle registration and ownership
- Commercial invoice — stating the vehicle’s CIF value
- Certificate of marine insurance — covering the sea transit
- UK Export Declaration (C88 Form) — completed by Ship Cars Ltd as a registered UK customs broker
- Approved TLU Import Licence — from TTBizLink, approved before the vessel departs
- Declaration for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle — signed, for individual RHD importers
Port of Spain customs documents (at destination):
- Original Bill of Lading
- V5C or original registration document
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of marine insurance
- Copy of importer’s passport/ID
- Approved TLU Import Licence
A licensed T&T customs broker is essential for Port of Spain clearance — they manage T&T Customs and Excise processing, duty payment, and port release on your behalf. Ship Cars Ltd can advise on appointing a suitable agent.
→ Full export checklist: Documents Required for Exporting a Vehicle from the UK
How Does Ship Cars Ltd Handle UK-to-T&T Shipments?
Ship Cars Ltd manages the complete UK-side process for every Trinidad and Tobago shipment:
- UK-wide vehicle collection — trade plate driver (MOT and road tax required) or transporter from any UK postcode
- UK Export Declaration (C88) — filed as a registered UK customs broker, on your behalf
- TTBizLink guidance — Ship Cars Ltd advises on the import licence process and timing
- Monthly RoRo sailings from Southampton — 29-day transit to Port of Spain
- Weekly container services from Tilbury — 20ft, 40ft, 40HQ, and flat rack options
- Full vehicle condition report with photographs before, during, and after loading into container
- Marine insurance options:
- Total Loss Cover: 1% of declared vehicle value
- Comprehensive Cover: 1.5% of declared vehicle value (vehicles under 10 years, condition report required — free with collection, £35 if self-delivered)
- Clearing agent advice — Ship Cars Ltd can recommend licensed T&T customs brokers for Port of Spain clearance
Ready for your T&T shipping quote?
Get your free Trinidad & Tobago quote now → — personalised response within 24 hours Contact Ship Cars Ltd → | Tel: 01495 320540 | WhatsApp: +44 7513 898320
Pre-Booking Checklist — Trinidad & Tobago
Confirm the following before requesting your quote:
- Was your vehicle manufactured in 2018 or later? (8-year age limit from January 2026)
- Is your vehicle right-hand drive? (T&T drives on the left — RHD is fully eligible)
- Has your TTBizLink import licence been approved by the Trade Licence Unit? (Must be in place before the vessel sails)
- Have you signed the Declaration for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle for your TLU application?
- Have you budgeted for Customs Duty (20–45% CIF), Motor Vehicle Tax, and 12.5% VAT on top of sea freight?
- If returning from the UK as a T&T national — have you noted that the returning nationals concession was abolished from January 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Shipping UK to Trinidad & Tobago 2026
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Trinidad and Tobago in 2026?
RoRo shipping from Southampton to Port of Spain starts from £1,452, with a sea transit of approximately 29 days and monthly sailings. Weekly container services from Tilbury are also available — contact Ship Cars Ltd for current container pricing. These prices cover port-to-port sea freight only. T&T import duty (20–45% of CIF), Motor Vehicle Tax, and VAT (12.5%) are all payable separately on arrival.
What is the vehicle age limit for importing a car to Trinidad and Tobago in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the age limit was raised from 3 years to 8 years from the date of manufacture, under Legal Notice No. 477. For 2026 shipments, vehicles manufactured from 2018 onward are eligible. This applies to sedans, SUVs, station wagons, and light vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, or CNG. Verify current limits with the Trade Licence Unit at tradeind.gov.tt/tlu before shipping.
Is a TTBizLink import licence mandatory before shipping?
Yes. An import licence from the Trade Licence Unit (TLU), Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, must be approved via TTBizLink before the vehicle leaves the UK. Individual RHD importers must attach a signed Declaration for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle to their application. The licence is valid until 31 December of the year it is issued. Do not book your shipment before TLU approval is confirmed.
Can I still use the returning nationals duty concession in 2026?
No. The returning nationals exemption from Customs Duty, Motor Vehicle Tax, and VAT was abolished from 1 January 2026 under the 2025/2026 national budget. Returning T&T nationals now pay the same full duty and tax rates as all other individual importers. Budget for the complete three-component tax structure — Customs Duty (20–45%), MVT, and VAT (12.5%).
Are electric vehicles eligible for duty exemption in Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes. From January 2026, EVs with a CIF value at or below TTD $400,000 are fully exempt from Customs Duty, Motor Vehicle Tax, and VAT. Higher-value EVs attract 10% Customs Duty, 12.5% VAT, and tiered MVT. EVs must be shipped by dedicated container only — not RoRo — and incur a £295 hazard surcharge with battery below 50% charge at loading.
What is the Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) in Trinidad and Tobago?
MVT is a per-cubic-centimetre tax tiered by engine capacity: from TTD $3.75/cc for engines up to 1,599cc up to TTD $45.00/cc for engines of 3,500cc and above. Engines over 1,999cc attract an additional 50% surcharge on both MVT and Customs Duty. VAT of 12.5% is then applied on the combined total of CIF + Duty + MVT. A licensed T&T customs broker can calculate your precise landed cost.
All freight prices are indicative and subject to change. Import duty, MVT, VAT, and destination charges are not included. Verify current regulations with the T&T Customs and Excise Division (customs.gov.tt) and the Trade Licence Unit (tradeind.gov.tt/tlu). Last verified: October 2026.
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