Vehicle shipping · May 24, 2026 · 7 min read

How to Ship a Car from Canada to Trinidad & Tobago — 2026 Guide

Real costs from Montreal to Port of Spain, Trinidad's unique engine-displacement-based tax structure (engines under 2000cc are dramatically cheaper to land), the 50% surcharge on bigger engines, and the EV exemption that makes electric imports essentially duty-free.

Quick answer — a typical sedan from Oakville to Port of Spain can move by shared container or RoRo — request a quote for current freight pricing. Transit 12–18 days. Trinidad's duty is engine-displacement-based — engines under 2000cc are taxed roughly half as much as 2000cc+. EVs under the TTD CIF-value cap are duty + MVT + VAT exempt entirely.

What you'll pay (freight)

Vehicle type	Method
Sedan	RoRo
Sedan	Shared container
SUV	RoRo
SUV	Shared container
EV (Tesla, etc.)	Sole 20ft
Two cars together	40ft container

Trinidad's engine-size-based tax structure

Trinidad & Tobago calculates motor vehicle tax (MVT) based on engine displacement (cc), not vehicle value. A 1.6L Civic and a 1.6L Camry face the same MVT rate even if their values differ. This makes Trinidad cheaper than most Caribbean destinations for small-engine vehicles, more expensive for large.

The tax stack:

Import Duty: 20% on CIF (used petrol/diesel vehicles)
Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT): per cc rate scaled by engine size
VAT: 12.5% on (CIF + duty + MVT)
+ 50% on the entire base cost for engines 2000cc and above

⚡ EV exemption: Fully electric vehicles with a CIF value under the TTD cap pay zero import duty, zero MVT, and zero VAT. This makes Trinidad one of the cheapest landed-cost destinations in the Caribbean for Teslas, Bolts, Ariyas, etc.

Returning National reduced rates

Trinidadian nationals who have lived abroad for at least 5 years and are returning to live in Trinidad permanently qualify for reduced duty on personal vehicles and household goods. The reduction varies by vehicle value and category — your consignee should apply at the Customs & Excise Division before vessel arrival.

Required paperwork

Canada side: vehicle title, bill of sale, CBSA B13A, government ID, photos.

Trinidad side:

Original Bill of Lading
Original commercial invoice
Tax ID number from Inland Revenue
Import licence (some categories — confirm with your customs broker)
For Returning National: residency proof + ownership proof
For EV: model spec sheet confirming fully-electric drivetrain

4 common mistakes

1. Not checking engine displacement before buying

The 2000cc threshold is a hard step in the tax curve. A 1995cc engine vehicle can cost 30%+ less to land than a 2005cc version of the same model. Check the spec sheet before purchasing.

2. Missing the EV exemption opportunity

If you're undecided between an ICE car and an EV for your Trinidad relocation, the EV exemption (zero duty + MVT + VAT) can save you a substantial amount on a luxury EV like a Tesla Model Y. The math often makes an EV cheaper than a comparable ICE vehicle.

3. Wrong steering side (LHD vs RHD)

Trinidad drives on the LEFT — meaning vehicles should be right-hand-drive (RHD). Canadian vehicles are LHD by default. Trinidad does allow LHD imports in some cases, but check current rules before shipping — registration can be denied for LHD vehicles in stricter periods.

4. Not factoring port handling fees

Port of Spain handling fees apply on top of duty. Your consignee should engage a licensed customs broker who knows the current port fee schedule.

Ready to ship to Trinidad?

We ship to Port of Spain regularly. Confirm with us before booking if you're shipping a LHD vehicle — happy to verify current Trinidad import rules for your specific case.

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