Export Cars
to Maldives
UK Car Export provides professional vehicle export services to Maldives 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 Maldives
The Maldives is a small island nation with significant import duties on passenger vehicles. Despite high duty rates, there is demand for quality vehicles, particularly for resort and commercial use. Both left and right-hand drive vehicles are accepted given the limited road network.
UK Car Source provides vehicle export services to the Maldives including documentation preparation and sea freight coordination to Malé Commercial Harbour.
Import Rules
| Drive Configuration | Left-hand drive and right-hand drive accepted. Small island road network. |
| Vehicle Age Limit | Generally up to 5 years from manufacture. |
| Condition | Roadworthy and clean condition required. |
| Customs Authority | Maldives Customs Service |
| Duty & VAT | Import duty (100% on CIF value for passenger vehicles) and GST applicable. Permits required. |
| Standards | MRA compliance required. Suitable documentation needed. |
Import regulations are subject to change. We recommend confirming current requirements with the relevant customs authority 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 Transit
18–26 days sea freight
Customs Clearance at Destination
3–10 working days depending on port and documentation
Total Estimated Process
6–12 weeks from order to delivery (subject to availability and customs)
Import Tax Breakdown
| Import Duty — Passenger Cars | 100% of CIF value |
| Import Duty — Pick-up Trucks | 200% of CIF value |
| Import Duty — Electric Vehicles | 10% of CIF value |
| Green Tax | May apply depending on vehicle category |
| Age Restriction | No formal restriction; vehicle must be in good condition |
| Clearance Body | Maldives Customs Service |
| Market Note | Very low volume — only Malé and a few larger islands have road vehicles |
Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.
Port Guide
Malé Commercial Harbour is the only vehicle import port in the Maldives. It is a small port with limited storage capacity — containers are offloaded by crane. The commercial port also serves as the transit hub for outer island supply boats. Clearance typically takes 5–10 working days.
Vessel capacity from the UK to the Maldives is limited — ensure container booking is confirmed well in advance. Given the 100% duty on passenger cars and 200% on pickups, EVs at 10% duty are increasingly the most practical and affordable import category. The remote location means shipping routes often transit via Colombo or Singapore, adding to lead times.
Local Market Advice
The Maldives vehicle market is extremely small — only Malé and a handful of larger islands have road vehicles. Most imports are motorbikes, small vans, and pickup trucks. The 100% import duty on passenger cars makes UK car exports to the Maldives expensive, limiting the market to buyers who genuinely need or can afford the premium.
EVs at 10% duty represent the most commercially viable opportunity — interest in electric vehicles is growing in Malé. A Range Rover or luxury car in Malé is a genuine status symbol but commands a huge premium due to 100% duty. Buyers tend to be resort owners, senior government officials, or business owners. This is a very niche market — only relevant for specialists with established contacts.
Export a Vehicle to Maldives
Contact our export team today. We handle sourcing, documentation, shipping and logistics — so you don't have to.