When importing a vehicle to St. Kitts and Nevis, the process involves several key steps and requirements, as outlined by the St. Kitts & Nevis Returning Nationals and the St. Kitts & Nevis Customs Department:

General Requirements:

• Customs Service Charge: 12% on the value of the vehicle.
• Environmental Levy: Varies based on the vehicle’s age from the date of manufacture:
  • Up to 24 months: EC$1,000
  • Over 2 but less than 4 years: EC$3,500
  • 4 years or more: EC$5,000

For Returning Nationals:

• One Vehicle Per Family: Only one duty-free vehicle concession is allowed per family.
• Ownership Requirement: The vehicle must have been owned by the returning national for at least six months before arriving in the Federation.
• Age and License: The returning national must be 18 or older and hold a valid driver’s license from the country of origin.
• Customs Clearance: The vehicle must be cleared within six months of arrival or post the clearance of personal and household items.
• Transfer Restrictions: Ownership or control of the vehicle cannot be transferred within 3 years of receiving the concession.

Additional Considerations for Returning Nationals:

• Residency Requirement: Must have lived abroad for 10 years or more and returned to the nation permanently.
• Ownership Duration: The importer should have owned the vehicle for at least a year before importation.
• Concession Transfer: Vehicle ownership should not be transferred within four years of the concession grant.
• Student Concessions: Returning students living abroad for less than ten years must provide educational documentation to qualify for concessions, subject to the Comptroller of Customs’ discretion.

Documentation Required:

• Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Bill of Sight
• Import License
• Commercial/Purchase Invoice
• Copy of Title

Import Duty and Taxes:

• Import Duty: 45%
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): 17%

For a comprehensive understanding and to ensure compliance with all regulations, it’s recommended to visit the official websites of the St. Kitts & Nevis Returning Nationals and the St. Kitts & Nevis Customs Department for the latest information and guidance