Trinidadian returning home with a vehicle

[KarbonFiber]

Guys/gals

I'm getting some mixed info and would like some clarification please.

What are the restrictions for a returning resident wrt a vehicle. I checked the customs website and it seems straight forward, but is there an age restriction on the vehicle?

I read elsewhere that within the five yrs prior to return, you shouldn't have spent more than 3 months in Trinidad for any yr of that period. Is this correct?

Wrt licensing, that is only possible for cars of 3 yrs of age correct? So a 10 yr old car can be imported but can't be licensed?

Been hearing horror stories of vehicles held for 15yrs for varying reasons; seems more of a hassle and better to sell where the vehicle is currently.

Regards

[antlind]

Get yourself a good broker in Trinidad.

[KarbonFiber]

Get yourself a good broker in Trinidad.

Ok thank you antlind

[X2]

Don't know if any new restrictions have been imposed... ditto on a good broker.

The historic rule is no limitation on age of vehicle for a returning resident. You have to have been gone for at least 10 years from TnT (if claiming returning residency a second time). Vehicle must be road worth of course, and you get a break on duties, etc... (reduced, not removed).

[turboturtle]

This is a very good thread. I also have a relative returning to Trinidad in October and need some guidance.

Can anyone vouch for a good broker?

I spoke to Navarro's and they said that they do not do this type of job due to all the red tape involved in dealing with Trade, Customs and Licensing.

I learnt that Trade will send you to Ministry of National security to obtain your flight patterns over the last 5 years to determine how much time you have been spending in Trinidad. If in any of the 5 years you spent 3 months or more in Trinidad you are disqualified.

The real problem however is with Customs they give real trouble apparently sending you to bureau of standards to examine tyres and basically use any variety of reasons tie you up in miles of red tape. This is where a good broker comes in handy.

It would be good if returning residents could share their experiences with us



Here is some info from Ministry of Trade page 11 of the following
pdf:

http://tradeind.gov.tt/Portals/0/Docume ... 4%20v2.pdf

Returning Nationals
Both the returning national and his/her spouse are entitled to import either a Right-Hand or Left-Hand
vehicle for personal use.
DEFINITION OF A RETURNING NATIONAL
A Returning National under Section 45(2)h of the Customs Act is a citizen who has attained 18 years of
age and:
1. is or was a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago;
2. has citizenship of two countries, one of which is Trinidad and Tobago; or
3. is the spouse of the person referred to in subparagraph (1) or (2).
NOTE: persons who have lost their status as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago must apply for restoration
of citizenship.
CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT
1. Must have resided abroad for a continuous period of not less than five (5) years immediately
prior to the date of return.
2. Continuous residence abroad by a returning national should not be affected by temporary visits
to Trinidad and Tobago for periods not exceeding three (3) months in each of the five (5) years
immediately prior to his return to Trinidad and Tobago to reside permanently.
3. Prior to the date of applicant’s return to Trinidad and Tobago he/she must have owned the
vehicle and have same registered in his/her name.
4. Returned to reside permanently in Trinidad and Tobago.
5. Require the vehicle for personal use.
6. Must import the vehicle within six (6) months prior to or within one (1) year after, his return to
Trinidad and Tobago.
7. Must not sell or transfer the vehicle within two (2) years of importation without the permission
of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications.
8. Applicant is entitled to one vehicle only.
9. The concession granted to a returning national for the importation of a motor vehicle under is a
one-time facility.
PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED
An import licence must be obtained from the Trade Licence Unit PRIOR to the shipment of the vehicle to
Trinidad and Tobago. An interview with the returning national must be conducted before consideration
can be given to the application. The following documents must be submitted (with originals) at this
interview:
1. A valid machine readable Trinidad and Tobago Passport(s) / Foreign Passport(s) – must show
evidence of being abroad for the continuous period of time, prior to date of RETURN for
permanent residency within Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, where a foreign passport is
presented as evidence, the applicant must also be the holder of a valid machine readable Trinidad
and Tobago Passport to prove citizenship.
2. In cases where the full period stipulated at (a) cannot be determined, persons may be required to
submit official employment records/Income Tax documents and/or obtain a flight pattern from
the Immigration Division of the Ministry of National Security.
12
3. In cases where the applicant is the spouse of a Trinidad and Tobago national, a marriage
certificate is required.
4. Affidavit. For a sample affidavit for the returning national, click here. For a sample affidavit for
the spouse of a returning national click here.
5. In order to verify ownership, a copy of the Registration Certificate/Certificate of Title of
ownership of vehicle from country abroad must be attached to the application.
For the details of any tax concessions granted to returning nationals, contact the Customs and Excise
Division of the Ministry of Finance and the Economy of Trinidad and Tobago: www.customs.gov.tt


Customs info here:

http://www.customs.gov.tt/travelling/re ... -nationals

[A172]

lol@ horror stories
straight fwd process

vat added back on now eh

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