Export Cars
to Dominica
UK Car Source provides professional vehicle export services to Dominica for private buyers, trade customers and dealerships. We manage the complete process from vehicle sourcing and documentation through to international shipping and delivery support.
Request Export QuoteExporting to Dominica
Dominica accepts both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, with imports managed through the Customs and Excise Division. Most passenger vehicles are subject to age restrictions and duty calculations based on CIF value.
UK Car Source manages the entire export process including vehicle sourcing, pre-export inspection, documentation preparation, sea freight booking and ongoing shipment support.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Right-hand drive accepted. Left-hand drive permitted. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | Generally up to 4 years from manufacture for duty concessions. Older vehicles accepted subject to increased duties. |
| Condition | Clean, roadworthy condition required. Pre-export inspection recommended. |
| Customs Authority | Dominica Customs & Excise Division |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty and consumption tax applicable. Calculated on CIF value. Rates vary by vehicle type. |
| Standards | No specific emissions standards applied at present, though UK-compliant vehicles are generally accepted. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with Dominica Customs prior to shipment.
Major Ports
Shipping Options
Required Documentation
Estimated Timelines
Vehicle Sourcing & Preparation
1–3 weeks depending on specification and availability
Documentation & Export Clearance
3–7 working days
Sea Freight (RoRo / Container)
Approximately 14–21 days transit to Caribbean
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port congestion and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–10 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| CET Import Duty | 45% of CIF value |
| VAT | 15% |
| Environmental Levy | Applies — rate confirmed with Dominica Customs at time of import |
| Age Restriction | Maximum 3 years from manufacture — one of the strictest in the Caribbean |
| Customs Authority | Dominica Customs and Excise Division |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Roseau (Port of Roseau) is the primary port — a very small island port with limited container handling capacity. Shipments are typically routed via Barbados transhipment with an additional 1–2 day ferry leg to Roseau. Clearance takes 7–14 working days, though port capacity constraints can extend this.
The 3-year age limit means only very recent or brand new vehicles are importable. Container shipping only — very low volumes. Budget extra time for port capacity limitations and always work with an experienced Caribbean freight forwarder familiar with Dominica procedures.
Local Market Advice
Dominica — the Nature Isle — has one of the strictest vehicle age limits in the Caribbean at just 3 years. This effectively means only new or near-new vehicles are importable. Dominica's terrain is volcanic and mountainous, making 4WD essentially mandatory for reliable travel outside Roseau. The vehicle market is very small.
UK car exports to Dominica are niche but viable for near-new premium 4WDs. Diaspora in the UK source vehicles for family back home — this is the primary demand channel. RHD preferred as Dominica drives on the left. Diesel 4WDs are particularly valued for fuel economy on steep terrain.
Most Popular Vehicles
Dominica — the Nature Isle of the Caribbean — has rugged, mountainous terrain that makes high-clearance 4WD vehicles an absolute necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. The Toyota Land Cruiser is the dominant vehicle across the island: its ground clearance, torque and legendary reliability make it the preferred transport for everything from government departments to eco-tourism operators. The 70 Series Land Cruiser is widely used in the agricultural and utilities sectors, while the 200 Series appeals to wealthier buyers seeking comfort alongside capability.
The Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail serve the family market well, offering reasonable ground clearance for Roseau's paved streets while handling the island's trickier rural roads. Toyota Hilux dual-cab trucks are popular with construction businesses rebuilding after Hurricane Maria. The RAV4 rounds out the Toyota dominance in the mid-range segment. CBI residents typically seek Range Rover Sport or Defender 110 — vehicles that signal status as well as serve the terrain.
| Top Seller | Toyota Land Cruiser (200 Series) |
| Runner Up | Mitsubishi Outlander / Nissan X-Trail |
| Prestige Choice | Land Rover Defender 110 |
| Budget Pick | Toyota RAV4 / Toyota Hilux |
Common Questions
Can CBI citizens of Dominica import a vehicle from the UK?
Yes — Dominica's Citizenship by Investment programme grants full citizenship, and CBI citizens have the same rights as Dominican nationals including the right to import a vehicle. The vehicle must comply with the 4-year age limit measured at the point of import clearance at Roseau. Many CBI clients based in Europe use us to source prestige vehicles in the UK for use during their time on the island. We provide the full export documentation package and can recommend trusted Roseau customs agents.
What are the limitations of Roseau Port for vehicle imports?
Roseau is a relatively small port by Caribbean standards and cannot accommodate the large RoRo vessels that serve bigger islands. All vehicle imports to Dominica must therefore travel by container. The port's crane capacity means only 20ft and 40ft containers are routinely handled. Storage facilities at the port are limited, so it's important to have your customs broker ready to clear the vehicle promptly on arrival — extended port storage incurs daily fees and is best avoided.
Does shipping to Dominica require transhipment via Barbados?
Yes — there are no direct container services from UK ports to Roseau, Dominica. All shipments tranship at a major Eastern Caribbean hub, most commonly Bridgetown, Barbados. From Bridgetown, a feeder vessel delivers the container to Roseau. The total UK-to-Dominica transit time is typically 22–30 days depending on feeder schedules. We work with established carriers who have reliable weekly feeder connections to Roseau and keep you updated throughout the journey with tracking information.
Export a Vehicle to Dominica
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.